Cast the First Stone

Author: James W. Ziski

Series: Ellie Stone Mystery #4

Publisher: Seventh Street Books

Release Date: June 6, 2017

Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewer: Jessica Higgins

Set in the 1960’s with a female reporter investigating a missing person and a murder, this is a must read for all mystery lovers.

Ellie Stone is a reporter for the New Holland Republic and is assigned to travel to Hollywood to interview Tony Eberle, the hometown actor that is making his big break in the big city. Upon arriving, she finds that Eberle has disappeared and the producer that was vital in getting him the part has been found murdered with Tony is now the prime suspect.  Ellie puts all her investigating tactics to the test to find Tony and figure out what is behind this mystery, hoping it isn’t Tony, which would have the citizens of New Holland reading about their beloved Tony being a murderer.

The first thing I need to say about this book is it is the fourth in a series, I didn’t realize this when reading it and don’t believe it influenced how I enjoyed the book. Ellie is a very ambitious woman that is looking to make a name for herself in the world of reporters.  In this time period, bring a woman and breaking into this area is a very difficult thing to accomplish.  Ellie didn’t let any of that keep her from pursuing what she felt she was meant to do. Having an assignment that sends her to Hollywood and then investigating the disappearance of Tony and the murder ends up putting all of her skills to the test.  Even when she finds herself in danger while trying to get the next lead in her story, she still keeps pushing forward.  I liked her and the spunk she had.  It is probably one of the best aspects of the story.  A few of the characters are questionable at times in how they react in different situations that could have played out better.  While Ellie is the main character, there are too many secondary characters to keep track of.  If a few had been left out or combined, the story would have flowed a little better for readers.  You do have to keep in mind that this is set in the 1960s while reading to keep from getting confused about prices of things and landmarks.  While this isn’t one I would normally pick up, I did enjoy the story and will recommend it to mystery lovers for a good read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.