Murder at San Simeon: A Novel of Suspense

by Cordelia Frances Biddle and Patricia Campbell Hearst

Book Overview

This entertaining novel, based on an actual unsolved murder involving William Randolph Hearst, is co-authored by Heart's granddaughter, Patricia. Catha Kinsolving Burke is shocked to overhear her... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684804239
• ISBN13: 9780684804231
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 283 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 9.6" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Past and Present Combined

I liked how this novel combined the past and the present, showing how there are things that we may never know about the past, no matter what evidence we may have. The plot was a little confusing at times, myself having no previous knowledge on the film stars of the Silent Era, so I was confused during some of the 1920's dialogue. But, once I did a little research and straightened out who everyone was, the story flowed more smoothly. I've always been interested in learning about what the the movie industry was like in the beginning, and so I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to acquire a better understanding of the social climate of the time. I think the authors did a really good job with their research and did their best in restoring the flavor of the era in this work. The book made me want to visit the famed Hearst Castle for a third time! I also enjoyed the little romantic flair that lead to Catha's realization about her life.

Leave 'em hanging or where's the ending?

I too enjoyed this book right up to the last page. The authors built an engrossing story with many plot twists and then I couldn't believe that it ended or more precisely just stopped! I felt that the last pages must have gotten ripped out for there could be no other reason for such an abrupt halt to the story. I would be interested, however, in a sequeal in the hopes that the many questions posed in the last few pages are answered.

It seemed so real I felt like I was there

To read this novel is to revel in the sensuality of 1920's Hollywood and San Simeon. I can't remember the last time I read a novel which seemed so alive in my mind. I felt like I was really there at San Simeon with W.R., Marion, Abigail and the other characters. I hope Ms. Hearst will write a sequel soon, because she leaves so many tantalizing loose ends--uncertainty as to whether the murder has really been solved, her view on W.R.'s role in World War I, who Mademoiselle X really is--that I hope she doesn't leave us in suspense forever...