I really, really loved the old Hollywood setting of this book! The characters and setting were so fun and nostalgic and if you're a fan of old Hollywood, you'll totally love all of the references and nods to real live actors and actresses. The "Ambassador's Club" was fun and twisty and I enjoyed following their story.

Overall, this was a good, quick read!!

A film critic is found dead at the Hollywood Canteen and murder mystery playwright, Annie gets mixed up in the investigation along with an interesting array of new friends she meets along the way.
I went into this book expecting to get old Hollywood glamour vibes but unfortunately I didn’t. The characters were interesting and entertaining, the storyline was good but I just didn’t get that vibe I was hoping for so I was a little disappointed. If I wasn’t expecting that I probably would have enjoyed it more.

Overall, I really liked this book.
The characters are well written, the twist was unexpected but believable and the main character was relatable.
Annie starts out in the Big Apple as a Broadway playwright and feels on top of the world, not even a critic’s accurate accusation about the relationship she has with her stars can bring het down. That is until her world gets tipped upside down when her lovers get a movie contract and head to Hollywood. They leave Annie with nothing but a broken heart, taking not only her happiness, but her grandmothers nightstands, too.
Annie contemplates chasing her lovers across the country when she unexpectedly gets a screenwriter offer from Paramount, requiring her to move to Hollywood.
Here she finds some unlikely friends, including the critic Fiona Farris, and she thinks she might have the ability to move on from her failed relationship after all. Until Fiona’s murdered and Annie is a suspect along with the rest of her friends.
She writes murder mysteries for broadway and the big screen, can she solve this one in the real world?
The things I didn’t like were purely personal.
The beginning was incredibly slow, and the entire novel was very wordy. I felt this took away from the the bits of action and ingenuity we witnessed. Annie overall was relatable, but I felt after the breakup she was quite mopey and wished she was more angsty. She did make up for it in the end, though.
I think I need to come to the realization that historical fiction isn’t my genre.

fun little read. I liked learning about the Hollywood Canteen and the banter of the characters. The mystery was interesting and the story was good. But it was a bit slow in places, the pacing felt a bit stilted at times, and I'm not sure it's a story that stands out. I almost wish I'd done this as an audio book. I think the mystery might feel a bit more urgent played out a bit more off the page.

It was well written and I liked it, but it was just okay.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

What had me intriqued was the story of old Hollywood and with a little mystery and whodunnit has me wanting more. The only doewnside for me is it is historical fiction which is not my genre but I did not let that deter me from reading it. If found Annie Laurence relatable. She goes through a bad breakup and decides to move cross country to start over. But an acquantaince of hers is found ddead. Now what? Read it to find out. I recommend this one.

I thought this was a clever story and although none of the characters were very likeable as good people, they were perfectly written as their flawed selves.

I’m rounding up to 4 stars, but feel this is a very solid 3.5 star book that I enjoyed.

It was okay, I didn't really care for it in any way. I was kind of bored and didn't connect with the characters.

This book instantly had me hooked! Take the glitz and glam of old Hollywood and the twists of a whodunnit and you get this stunning story. Annie Laurence is so easy to relate to as she struggles through a breakup and starts a new life across the country working as a writer for a movie studio. Not everything and everyone what they seem and Annie learns this the hard way when an acquaintance is found dead at a local club. If you are a fan of historical fiction and a good mystery then this book is for you!

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I liked reading about the life of actors and screenwriters and musicians. Reading about how they spent their evenings and what the big wigs at production companies expected and how they treated their employees back then was intriguing.

The mystery portion of this book was what sold it for me. I found that it dragged in places but I was determined to keep reading because I needed to know who the killer was. The members of the Ambassador’s Club all had motives and means to kill Fiona.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my ARC of this book.

I absolutely flew through Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James! It completely transported me back to the glamorous, yet tumultuous, world of 1940s Hollywood.

The minute I met Annie Laurence, a playwright with a broken heart and a dream, I knew I was in for a treat. Her fish-out-of-water experience in Hollywood was both hilarious and relatable. The way James weaves real-life Hollywood legends into the story adds a layer of authenticity that makes everything feel so vivid.

Then there's the murder! A scathing film critic winds up dead at the Hollywood Canteen, and Annie, with her sharp wit and keen eye for detail, finds herself smack dab in the middle of the investigation. The mystery itself is cleverly plotted, with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end.

But what truly elevates Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is the atmosphere. James perfectly captures the glitz and the grit of Hollywood during wartime. The desperation of starlets vying for roles, the undercurrents of scandal, and the ever-present shadow of the war all come together to create a truly immersive experience.

If you're a fan of historical fiction with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of Hollywood glamour, then Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is a must-read. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

This was an interesting and unique historical fiction novel.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

I really enjoyed this story, and found the main character pretty likable - I was rooting for her from start to finish. The glamour of old Hollywood is what initially drew me to this book and I was pleasantly surprised to see that whole bit play a supporting role to the more mundane day-to-day experiences of the people who typically stay behind the scenes. I really knew next to nothing about the writers during that time, or the roles that various stars played during the war. I also really enjoyed the relationship dynamics between the characters - professionally and personally. Overall an entertaining read that sent me down some research rabbit holes looking up more info about the time period.

This was a very fun WWII-era mystery set at the Hollywood Canteen. I loved all the classic Hollywood details and references, and the mid-century snappy writing style. I also loved that it was about a woman coming out of a throuple and all of the issues with people hiding their true lives to be Hollywood stars.

While "Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen" may hold some appeal for die-hard fans of historical fiction or Hollywood nostalgia, I felt that it ultimately falls short of its potential. With lackluster characterization, a hard to follow plot, and writing that fails to capture the spirit of its setting, this novel did not leave a lasting impression on this fan of historical fiction.

Sarah James' "Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen" is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers back to the golden age of Hollywood with a tale that is both heartwarming and poignant. This novel not only pays homage to an iconic era but also weaves a narrative rich in character development, romance, and the power of dreams.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story revolves around the Hollywood Canteen, a real-life club offering entertainment and solace to servicemen heading off to war. James masterfully blends historical accuracy with compelling fiction, creating a vivid portrayal of the period that feels both authentic and deeply immersive. The meticulous attention to detail in describing the setting, from the glamorous world of movie stars to the emotional turmoil of a nation at war, is nothing short of remarkable.

The characters in "Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen" are beautifully drawn, each with their own complexities and aspirations. As readers follow their journeys, James skillfully explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams amidst the uncertainties of war. The protagonists, whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways, are crafted with depth and realism, making their experiences and emotional struggles resonate with the reader.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from the joy of a chance encounter with a movie star to the heartache of parting. James' writing style is engaging and evocative, capturing the essence of the era with grace and flair. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, further bringing the characters and their world to life.

"Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen" is not just a story about a bygone era; it is a timeless narrative that speaks to the enduring human spirit. It reminds us of the power of connection, the resilience required in the face of adversity, and the importance of holding onto hope and dreams.

In conclusion, Sarah James' "Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen" is a stunning tribute to one of Hollywood's most enchanting epochs, offering readers a blend of historical richness, emotional depth, and captivating storytelling. It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone fascinated by the allure of old Hollywood. James has crafted a novel that is both a nostalgic journey and a deeply moving exploration of the human condition, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

5/5 Stars. A big thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy for review.

Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is about a place where servicemen would go before they went off to war. You never know who you would see there - huge movie stars, popular singers, musicians - something for everyone. Annie Laurence moves to Hollywood trying to get a new start and ends up working for a studio writing musicals. She ends up with a group of very interesting people who call themselves the Ambassador's Club. Everything seems to be turning around for her until a member of the Club ends up dead. Everyone is a suspect and there is a lot of accusations flying around. An interesting look into the Hollywood lifestyle in the 1940's.

Opening this book, I fell into a time machine. After a brief stint in the first couple of chapters set in New York, where we meet Annie Laurence, we are thrust into the wild and woolly era of 1943 Hollywood when all was done but all had to be kept secret. Once we arrive in Hollywood, the book proceeds at a pace and with the flavor of a late 1930s, early ’40s movie.

Laurence, our protagonist, is a successful New York playwright, lately of the mystery genre, at the book’s opening, However, a disaster in her personal life and the closing of her latest stage endeavor sends her westward bound on a train after a Hollywood studio offers her a job as a screenwriter. How different can writing for movies be from writing for stage, she reasons.

Without friends, Laurence accepts a suggestion from the studio head’s assistant to volunteer at the Hollywood Canteen (a real place) where she will be able to rub shoulders with other volunteers and maybe make friends. The list of folks making sandwiches for soldiers and dancing with them includes Hollywood A-Listers, so Laurence heads off to do her best for America’s best and maybe make some new friends.

She had not counted on witnessing a murder on the first night—especially the murder of a nasty critic who made her New York life miserable. So she both discovers the body and becomes a suspect—both of which lead her to try to investigate the crime on her own.

The Hollywood microcosm dominates all else. James has done meticulous research and it shows. Lots of great detail of home front life (in the movieland microcosm), from shortages to people taking on roles they did not want or were not the best for, due to the best folk having been drafted. James provides era-appropriate dialogue, but one part of the story I had a bit of trouble with.

Laurence quickly (too quickly for me) becomes an accepted member of a group of highflyers, hard drinkers, actors, and writers, some of whom she suspects of killing the critic and others whom she enlists to help her in her quest. The police enter the scene but pale in comparison to the Hollywood types. This is where my “suspension of belief” failed me. I simply could not believe that she was accepted so quickly into the group and gained their confidence. Hey, I admit, this is Hollywood and evidently at that time, a glam girl in a great dress, sexy, beautiful, and who drinks as if prohibition had ended just the day before, can do anything—as long as she is not caught violating her studio’s Morals Clause that bans everything from homosexuality to dating across racial lines.

James is a fine plotter. The tale’s twists and turns kept me from guessing who killed the thoroughly unlikeable critic. But while the fast formation of friendships helped the story gallop ahead, it was a bit too far and fast for me. Great fun for fans of the silver screen in the WWII era when the Studio System was in high gear and studio bosses ruled the roost.

Sarah James' Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is part historical fiction, part mystery as Annie Lawrence moves from New York City to Los Angeles in the hope of restarting her life as a playwright after a messy break up. Set during World War II in Hollywood, Annie finds herself volunteering at the Hollywood Canteen with fellow actors and performers; and meets a motley crew of friends. When one of them is murdered, the group bands together to try and solve the murder since they believe the police just don't care (or are under someone's paycheck.)

James' characters are witty and humorous, however I also found them incredibly immature and annoying at times. As far as WWII historical fiction goes, Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is enjoyable giving a great understanding of the challenges and despair happening back home while the "boys were fighting for their country". Even in a sparkle filled place like Hollywood, not everything was picture perfect.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for the opportunity to read this novel.

A big reason I read historical fiction is to be immersed in the atmosphere and setting of the period. I didn't get that here. The language is almost completely modern. Aside from some markers of the era, the story could be current.

The characters aren't well developed. I didn't like or care about any of them.

DNF at about 20%

It’s 1943 and the stars are at the Hollywood Canteen. It’s a club for servicemen staffed by Hollywood’s best. Annie Laurance a murder mystery playwright, is new in town and finds herself in the midst of all these celebrities and all their secrets. She is trying to get a script written and a movie made. But things aren’t all they are cracked up to be. Fiona Farris is a film critic and she is not well liked and unfortunately for her she has been murdered. Annie finds herself in the middle of a true murder mystery. Annie starts socialize with Fiona’s friends, trying to figure out what may happen. They are all cynics and disgruntled and they aren’t offering her much insight. There are twists and turns and the characters are well developed. The author did a terrific job describing this time very well. This was a three star read for me. Overall it was quick and engaging. I want to thank Netgalley and Sarah James for my copy of Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review. What were your thoughts?