Thank you so much to NetGalley and Millicent Binks for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder in Hollywood coming out August 18, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read the first book in the series, so I was really excited to check this one out. I love cozy historical mysteries. The setting in Hollywood was really fun. I love the characters. I would definitely read more books by this author!

3.75/5 stars

This was such a cute and cozy mystery story with eccentric and enjoyable characters. It takes place in the 1930s and follows Opal Laplume and her experiences during her time in Hollywood while working on a film set in the costume department. Everything seems to be alright until the star of the film is murdered and Opal's (potential?) love interest is accused of the crime. Thankfully, Opal has experience solving murders (from the first book of the series) and she works diligently to solve the case.

I really appreciated how this book dove into the complications and selfish nature of Hollywood in the 1930s. This was a time when every person only looked out for themselves, which added to the mistrust and uncertainty of who was telling the truth and who was lying. I had never read a book set in a time period and location quite like this, so it was unique in that way.

A small thing that detracted from my overall positive experience was the little difficulty that Opal faced while attempting to work on this case. Somehow no one ever told her to stop looking, or when she was caught snooping, they just let it slide. I feel like it could've been stronger if she faced more adversity or even discrimination due to her inexperience or gender during this time.

The pace kept the plot moving, which I appreciated. I thought it was a very cute and cozy mystery, and I enjoyed the characters. It was a super quick read, and I also enjoyed the overarching plot that seemed to be developing between the first and second books in this series. I can't wait to learn more about that.

While I didn't read the first book in the series before this one, it didn't impact my rating of the story overall. I think I might go back and read the first one, because I enjoyed this one so much! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this ARC.

Overall, I would recommend this book!!

3.5/5 ⭐️
Hat maker Opal LaPlume finds herself in Hollywood, hoping to get hired on the set of a movie. She finds a job working with famous actress Jane Margeaux. However, Jane is murdered on set one day, and Opal's friend Augusto is suspected of the crime. She sets out to find the true culprit and clear his name.

I hadn't read the first in this series, but thankfully that did not matter a bunch here! This one started a little slow for me, I really enjoyed the middle, and then I found the end/whodunnit disappointing. It just felt like one of those overdone tropes and felt really out of nowhere for me. I am definitely willing to read another in this series though - I really liked Opal as a main character!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.75/5 Stars

This was a delightful second installment featuring the ever-determined and charmingly buoyant Opal Laplume. I enjoyed both the story and the mystery, and I especially appreciated how Binks wove in real-life actors, period-appropriate settings, and the glamour of 1930s Hollywood through language and dress.

My only critiques were pacing;the first three-fourths flowed smoothly, while the last quarter felt a bit rushed to tie up loose ends — and a touch of convenience in Opal’s discoveries, which occasionally stretched believability. Even so, I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter, cozy-style mystery with vintage flair.

I’m grateful to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this ARC — all opinions are my own.

A fun historical cozy set in 1930s Hollywood. Opal Laplume fresh from her visit in Paris where she solved the murder of her cousin, got kidnapped by an enemy of her father and made charming acquaintance of a Spainard has a chance to be a hat maker in Hollywood. Only she is late a few days to her job, finds herself employed as a dresser instead and must investigate the murder of her new friend, star Jane Margeaux. With the help of her poodle Napoleon, and the unexpected appearances of acquaintances she made in France, she thinks she has found the culprits and must only find proof.

Then another person involved in the movie is found murdered. Could Opal be wrong? And will new clues lead her to the right person or to be dead as a doornail in L.A.?

I read the first book in the series, but I think you can easily understand what is going on without it. But you do miss out on some aspect of the back story with certain characters if you haven't read the first book. It is a solid mystery with plenty of twists and lots of characters that left me a bit lost in the beginning. I really enjoy Opal, her darling Napoleon and her simmering romance with Augusto. There is also a secondary storyline involving her father and a mystery in far off Asia that continues to have an impact on her. It will be interesting to see where that leads.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Favorite Quotes:

Her performance was so wooden I half expected termites to start a union.

I don’t trust that woman. She’s an executioner who uses blood for fountain-pen ink.

‘Sounds like he chased after money like a dog after sausages,’ Opal commented. ‘He did. Relentless, single-minded, and with a fair bit of drool involved,’ Virginia added.

There is a lot of pride in getting older. It comes with the perk of feeling the veil of hogwash lift, all the societal pressures that you’re supposed to believe in and adhere to becomes piffle. You wish your younger self had the same level of clarity and confidence.

My Review:

This was an entertaining, amusing, and easy-to-follow cozy read, populated by a clever pooch and a copious cast of largely unlikable yet uniquely authentic and quirky secondary characters. I had not read the previous book, but I didn’t feel that this hampered my understanding or enjoyment, as Opal’s relevant history was provided in ample detail. The storylines were well-plotted and smartly merged, just in time for our eagle-eyed heroine to save the day.

Opal is late for her new milliner role at the movie studio, but she soon secures another opportunity. There, she makes friends with the star and discovers that an old friend is also in the glamorous town. When there is an unexpected death, she discovers that the movie studio wields inordinate power and, despite this, Opal is determined to see justice done. It's an evocative tale with a mix of history and fiction. The mystery is immersively layered and draws the reader in; it has many suspects, twists, and an exciting conclusion. I like the characters, the lovable Napoleon, the poodle and Opal's intuitive insight that solves the mystery despite the obstacles.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

In this delightful second installment of the Opal Laplume cozy mystery series, a prop takes on a chilling reality. Actress Jane Margot has met a tragic end, and the film set where Opal finds herself is bathed in a dramatic aura. However, this is no mere act; the murder on stage is no joke. How could a real bullet have been concealed within a prop gun?

In 1934 Hollywood, Opal, a talented hat designer, finds herself on the set of a film. Her exceptional work has landed her not only the job of designing hats for the movie but also costumes. However, Opal’s ambitions extend far beyond her design duties. She becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the murder of Jane, driven by a fierce desire to find the motive and identify the likely suspects. Opal’s cunning and determined nature will undoubtedly make her a formidable force, as her curiosity and passion surpass her responsibilities as a designer.

This book is a quick read with a captivating setting. It vividly portrays the glamorous era of Hollywood, and I thoroughly enjoyed Opal’s determination to uncover the truth despite societal norms. As the story progresses, real icons from that time in 1930s Hollywood are mentioned. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

This is the second in the Opal Laplume Mystery series and unfortunately I missed the first one. I am pretty sure this did not affect my enjoyment of this book though.

The Honorable Opal Laplume moves to Hollywood with her beloved poodle Napoleon to take up her dream job of milliner in a Hollywood studio. Unfortunately she arrives late and the job is gone but not much can keep this lady down, and she quickly finds an alternative job in the studios. When someone is shot and killed on set, her friend Augustus is blamed and Opal sets out to find the real killer.

This is a very entertaining historical cosy set in the 1930s. There is a lot of historical fact and frequent mentions of the most famous stars of the day. Opal is an amazing character although she is almost outclassed by the fabulous Napoleon. Nicely written, very enjoyable and definitely worth a read.

This book is a good blend of mystery and wit: the humor adds charm without overshadowing the suspense, and the characters are so well developed , they feel like people you met in real life.
The plot flows effortlessly, with just the right pace to keep things engaging from start to finish.
The mystery itself is impressively crafted: solid, surprising, and full of clever twists that kept surprising. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story would pivot in unexpected directions, revealing new layers and motives that deepened the intrigue. It’s the kind of puzzle that’s both satisfying and delightfully tricky, making the final reveal all the more rewarding just like in a good Golden Age mystery
The historical background is vivid and well researched, it's like travelling in time or watching a movie like The Thin Man
Thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope to read another soon: this series is full of potential and I’m excited to see where it goes next as this one was even better than the previous.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

Opal Laplume is such a wonderful and unique character. I couldn't get enough of her. 💫💫💫💫💫

Opal, a milliner, has arrived at Platinum Signet Productions Studios. However, she has arrived 3 days late, and someone else has taken her place. She is told to look around the studio and see who else may need help. She lands at "lead cast fitting suite" and will be helping fit the fabulous Jane Margeaux. Betty Caruso is second to Jane, and her worst competition and Opal will also be fitting her. As Opal gets acquainted with the studio, the staff, the actresses, and her lodgings with Napoleon her black miniature poodle, a murder happens. Jane is shot with a real bullet in one of her scenes. The director has the murder covered up, so it doesn't affect the studio and movie. But Opal decides to help find the murdered before her friend and crush Augusto is charged for the murders.

Opal is such a beautiful, strong, witty, unique character, and it was such a joy to read about her. Her dog Napoleon is the perfect companion for a delightful character like her.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bookouture, for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

Costume designer Opal investigates the murder of Hollywood star Jane Margeaux. With a list of suspects including a jealous co-star, an overworked assistant, and a fortune-hunting husband, Opal uncovers a hidden message in Jane’s film, revealing a Hollywood secret worth killing for. Can she solve the case before another life is lost?

This is a fun mystery with well-developed characters and a clever, fast-paced plot. I’m excited to see how Opal’s relationship with Augusto plays out. I look forward to more in the series.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is the second in the Opal Laplume Mystery series. She's in Hollywood during the 1930's she's set to get a job making costumes for one of Hollywood's biggest stars. When she's shot and killed on the set, Opal starts investigating to find out who killed her and why.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery set in the 30's Hollywood. The eclectic cast of characters was fun, and she had a lovable poodle named Napoleon. One of them, Augusto, she has a bit of a crush on. So there's a bit of mystery, some old style Hollywood glamour and romance. I'm looking forward to the next sequel.

Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley, and the author for this arc.

This is a cute series about a woman who specializes in designing hats with the lovely name of Opal Laplume. Opal has come to Hollywood to work on a film just as the movies are moving to talkies. Sadly, the star of the movie is murdered and Opal’s love interest is being set up as the murderer simply because he is not an American. So Opal throws herself into solving the murder and figuring out what sort of shenanigans was going on this movie studio.

It was a lot of fun and a quick read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

The second in the Opal Laplume Mystery Book Series and Opal has left Paris heading for the bright lights of Hollywood. But she is late arriving and the job she was expecting, as a milliner for a film studio, has been given to someone else. Luckily she quickly gets a job as a costumier for actress Jane Margeaux albeit more short lived than she expected. Told from Opals POV this is a lighthearted cosy mystery.

Briefly, on set for her latest starring role Jane is fatally shot with what should have been a prop gun with a blank bullet. Opal’s friend from Paris, Augusto is working at the studio as a security guard and when his gun is checked a bullet is missing and he quickly becomes the prime suspect. Obviously Opal is going to investigate, then a second body is found…

There are any number of suspects for Jane’s murder, she wasn’t the most popular person but the second murder put the cat amongst the pigeons! Opal is a smart cookie but even she took longer than me this time to suss out the killer. I like Opal she’s a strong likeable character and of course she has a dog. Big tick. An amusing and entertaining read. 3,5⭐️

The Honourable Opal Laplume is back for another mystery, this time set in Hollywood.

I loved the setting, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. The 'red menace' lurking behind the stars was well done, it caught the feeling of the era without getting too serious.

The mystery was fine, there were plenty of clues, but they did fall into her lap in a serious of ridiculous, and improbable ways, but we had to move the story along somehow. Her eyesight is still her superpower, but I was glad to see the weird eye motions, while not gone completely, had been toned down a lot from the previous book. Yes she still did things with her eyes and her eyelashes that made no sense but it wasn't nearly as distracting as in the first book.

The characters, as always, were a lot of fun, from reoccurring love interests to new friends and new foes. There was even a chapter with new dogs, not that our beloved canine wanted to interact with them, but it was cute to see.

The overarching plot moves along a little here, we have a new villain connected to the 'big bad' and learn some more info about what is going on with Opal's father. I have to say, the attempts at harming Opal were among the more ridiculous acts of the book, which is really saying something.

Despite all the silliness though, I had a really good time. It was almost like watching a Hollywood movie from the era, it didn't take itself too seriously and that added to its charm. The hook for the next location promises us another dramatic setting and I for one, look forward to seeing where Opal's adventures take her next.

Feel good cosy murder mystery fun that you'll enjoy if you like this genre.

The characters are interesting. I like that the MC travels around so that all of the dead bodies are not showing up in the same city is great. Although since she's from London it would still make sense if they were all happening there. But it is great to get introduced to other cities.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fast and fun historical cozy mystery. We are back with Opal Laplume, this time in America, working on the set of a movie! Though not in the department, she was hoping for. She has made some friends, and the man she had formed a bit of a crush on in the first book, Augusto, has shown up. But, of course, in true cozy mystery fashion, a body is about to drop, and Opal is determined to figure out who the killer is.

This was pretty fast-paced, with plenty of twists and turns. I enjoyed the characters, and I enjoyed how well Millicent Binks was able to bring the Hollywood scene to life.

Title: Murder in Hollywood
Series: An Opal Laplume Mystery #2
Author: Millicent Binks
Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Bookouture
Pub Date: August 18,, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 262


Those of us who have reads the first book in this series know that Opal Laplume is a talented English hat designer. She has left London for hat appears to be the dream job as milliner for a 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.

Yikes when Jane is fatally shot on set by a prop gun, and security guard Augusto finds a bullet missing from his pistol; of course, Opal get involved as she needs to help her new friend from this murder accusation.

Opal soon discovers that Jane had a list of enemies as long as the train on her designer gown. Jane’s co-star Betty envied her rise to fame, but did her jealousy take a deadly turn? Jane’s loyal assistant Virginia was overworked and underpaid. Did she get Jane out of the way to get ahead at the studio? Or did Jane’s fortune-hunting husband Carey see an opportunity to inherit his wife’s jaw-dropping Sunset Boulevard mansion?

Just when Opal thinks she’s found her prime suspect, a crew member is found dead in the California desert with a briefcase stuffed full of movie scripts.

Oh that Opal!! Plus Napoleon has his usually touch to this cozy mystery!!

I read and totally enjoyed " A Most Parisian Murder" and was looking forward to Opal and her poodle Napoleon’s next sleuthing adventure!!! And now I am looking forward to Book #3!

I want to Thank NetGalley and the awesome team at Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Pub date scheduled for August 18, 2025.

Hollywood here she comes: the honourable Opal Laplume. This is a wonderful addition to this series. I really enjoyed this cozy historical murder mystery with likeable characters, suspense and a touch of romance. A recommendation. I’m already looking forward to reading more about Opal and co.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Bookouture and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.