Scandal in Babylon

Written by Barbara Hambly

Narrated by Pilar Witherspoon

“You shall never have a penny of my money. Leave me alone or I will shoot you dead!”

1924. After six months in Hollywood, young British widow Emma Blackstone has come to love her new employer, glamourous movie-star Kitty Flint—even if her late husband’s sister is one of the worst actresses she’s ever seen. Looking after
Kitty and her three adorable Pekinese dogs isn’t work academically mindedEmma dreamed of, but Kitty rescued her when she was all alone in the world. Now, the worst thing she has to worry about is the shocking historical inaccuracies of the films Kitty stars in.

Until, that is, Rex Festraw—Kitty’s first husband, to whom she may or may not still be married—turns up dead in her dressing room, a threatening letter seemingly from Kitty in his pocket.

Emma’s certain her flighty but kindhearted sister-in-law has been framed. But who by? And why? From spiteful rivals to jealous boyfriends, the suspects are numerous. But as Emma investigates, she begins to untangle a deadly plot—and
there’s something Kitty’s not telling her …

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781705048757

Barbara Hambly

Barbara Hambly was born in San Diego. Her interest in fantasy began with reading The Wizard of Oz at an early age and has continued ever since. She attended the University of California, Riverside, specialising in medieval history and then spent a year at the University at Bordeaux in Southern France as a teaching and research assistant. She now lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews for Scandal in Babylon

[Nancy Vieth · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a review of the audio version of Scandal in Babylon, book #1 in the Silver Screen series, by Barbara Hambly and narrated by Pilar Witherspoon.
Barbara Hambly has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read her first fantasy book. The characters are always well developed with complete back stories. Locations are so well described you feel you are there. And Scandal in Babylon is no exception. Emma Blackstone comes to life with the author’s words and Pilar Witherspoon’s voice. The British widow, her star sister-in-law, and a cast of crazy characters bring the story to life.
This story was full of humor, intrigue, danger, self discovery, and even love.
It was wonderful! Barbara Hambly and Pilar Witherspoon did a fantastic job! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and want to read more of the author’s books.

[tardis_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Using all the same research and very similar characters as in Bride of the Rat God (one of my favourite books!), but none of the supernatural elements, Hambly has produced a fun mystery of silent film-era Hollywood. Englishwoman Emma Blackstone was married and widowed during WW1, and then lost her parents and home. Rescued from paid companionship to a dreadful woman by her ditzy actress sister-in-law, Camille de la Rose, she comes to Hollywood as said sister-in-law's assistant and dog-minder. There, she begins to find her feet again, taking on script-doctoring and making friends. When Camille's first ex-husband is murdered and Camille framed for it, Emma and friends step up to solve the mystery. Really enjoyed this.

[vesper1931 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

1924 Widow Emma Blackstone is working for her sister-in-laws, actress Kitty Flint aka Camille de la Rose in Hollywood. When the man Kitty married at 15 arrives on set. But not for long as he is found shot. Emma decides to investigate, and continually show off her intelligence.
A cozy historical mystery
The story was not really for me, as I found the characters unlikeable and not a style of writing I enjoyed reading.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.