What’s This Book About?
The biggest, brightest and best names in Hollywood have gathered at the Royale Premiere Hotel on the eve of the biggest awards show of the year. Things take a devilish turn when leading lady Blanche Aikerman is found murdered in her room.
Can your sleuthing skills help in identifying the murderer of a Hollywood starlet in Los Angeles, 1958?
Let’s Talk About This Book
In this stylish whodunnit, you become the detective, making the choices that guide the investigation. It’s a clever reimagination of a classic murder mystery, told through a “choose-your-own-adventure” format that’s rarely used so well in adult fiction. Each decision branches the story in different directions some lead you closer to the truth, while others, not so much.
It’s also a quick read, though you may find yourself, like me, returning for a second or third round. During my third round, I stumbled upon a hidden storyline that unravels a smaller mystery tucked inside the main plot. That felt like a secret bonus level, and I loved it.
I’m genuinely appreciative of the creative ambition behind this book, and perhaps even more so after meeting Jonathan Whitelaw at MOTIVE 2025. He graciously signed my copy of Murder in Tinseltown and during one of his talks, shared how painful it was to write in this “choose-your-own-adventure” style.
As someone who has dabbled in writing myself, I understood what he meant. Structuring an interactive mystery, especially one with multiple possible endings, plot threads, and clues, is a unique kind of storytelling challenge. It’s like building a puzzle with no fixed center, and it takes a different level of planning and commitment.
Knowing this made the experience of reading the book even more rewarding. It saddens me, honestly, to see so many negative reviews floating around when it’s clear how much effort, thought, and passion went into creating something this bold and immersive. While I understand that this kind of format may not appeal to everyone, I personally found it refreshing, engaging, and incredibly clever. And I want to be a voice that celebrates that.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely, yes. This is a smart, stylish, immersive mystery that puts you in control of the case. If you enjoy vintage noir, Hollywood glam, or puzzle-style fiction, this one is for you. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those willing to play along, it’s a satisfying and clever experience. I give it 5 stars — for ambition, structure, engagement, and execution.
What Did You Think?
Have you read Murder in Tinseltown or any other “choose-your-own-adventure” mystery?
Would you like to try more interactive fiction?
Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
Where to Find the Book
Purchase “Murder in Tinseltown: A Hollywood Era Choose-Your-Own-Story Mystery” by Max Nightingale on Amazon CA
View “Murder in Tinseltown: A Hollywood Era Choose-Your-Own-Story Mystery” by Max Nightingale on Goodreads
Follow Jonathan Whitelaw on Instagram, Facebook, and Goodreads
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