Private investigator John Milano, hero and narrator of Star Light, Star Bright, works for a large New York agency. When his boss gets a special request from a multi-millionaire for his services in protecting a man at his own estate near Miami, John is less than enthusiastic. Because that multimillionaire is married to Sharon Bauer, gorgeous movie queen. John was involved with Sharon a couple years ago, and she in fact left him for the rich guy. But the money’s so good he can’t refuse.

Down in Florida, he finds himself tasked with protecting a man who calls himself Kalos, leader of a trendy cult (whom John knows from his past as a con man astrologer). Sharon is a member of the cult, as are several other movie people who are resident at the estate. Typewritten threats to Kalos’s life have been showing up – reinforced by the killing of the family dog. It’s John’s job, not only to protect Kalos, but to figure out who has a motive for killing him. Also to fend off the advances of Sharon, who’s suddenly interested in him again, while trying to get close to her husband’s secretary, who’s standoffish.

I quite enjoyed Star Light, Star Bright. John Milano is a strong, masculine hero, somewhat in the Travis McGee category, though less laid back. The characters were vivid, and the puzzle genuinely puzzling – blindsided me completely. There are a couple sequel books, and I plan to read them.

Recommended.