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.
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?
Industry Reviews
Praise for Final Cut:
Deadly Pleasures's Best Mysteries of 2023
"[A] keen sense of what it's like to work on a Hollywood production."
-Kirkus Reviews
"A fun and unique story . . . Readers will love Final Cut."
-Cozy Mystery Book Reviews
"Expertly showcases [McCown's] genuine flair for original and the kind of narrative driven and unexpected plot twists that make for a riveting story."
-Midwest Book Review
"Engaging, with twists and turns."
-Red Carpet Crash
"A must-read movie mystery packed with juicy details from a Hollywood insider, Final Cut gets my nomination for best debut."
-Ellen Byron, Agatha and Lefty Award Winner, USA Today bestselling author
"Final Cut is both an insider look at what it's like to work on Hollywood's biggest blockbuster and a surprising, timely mystery about a murder on the set . . . The story is a pop culture lover's dream. I'm already lining up for the sequel."
-Kellye Garrett, Agatha, Anthony, and Lefty Award winning author of Like a Sister
"A sparkling debut."
-Erica Ruth Neubauer, Agatha Award winning author of the Jane Wunderly Mystery series
"[A] compellingly-readable mystery . . . Heartily recommend!"
-Barbara Ross, award winning author of the Maine Clambake Mysteries
"McCown has expertly crafted a nifty intense mystery with a fascinating insider glimpse into the hectic life behind the scenes on a film set."
-Daniel Orlandi, award-winning costume designer of The Da Vinci Code
"McCown offers well-developed characters, a cleverly designed plot, and an intelligent and interesting costumer protagonist . . . Engaging from first page to last."
-Victoria Gilbert, author of the Hunter & Clewe mystery series
"[A] unique glimpse of how blockbuster movie magic is made, combined with a timely examination of the epidemic of harassment in Hollywood, makes for a fascinating read."
-Olivia Blacke, author of the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries
"Overflowing with authentic details, the behind-the-scenes peek at Hollywood filmmaking will captivate readers as much as the crimes."
-Misha Popp, author of the Pies Before Guys Mystery series
"A fascinating look at how that movie magic is made, combined with a fun, fast-moving plot and plenty of red herrings."
-M.E. Hilliard, author of the Greer Hogan Mystery series
"[A] fast-paced and suspenseful debut. With a compelling cast of characters, a well-plotted puzzle, and fascinating industry insights, Final Cut is a guaranteed fit for movie and mystery lovers alike. I am already looking forward to Joey's next adventure!"
-Ashley Weaver, author of the Electra McDonnell series
"Tight prose and deft plotting combine with Marjorie McCown's insider knowledge from her career in the movies to deliver the debut of the year."
-Zac Bissonnette, author of A Killing in Costumes
