An Animated Death In Burbank: A Detective Sandra Cameron Mystery (Detective Sandra Cameron Mysteries) [Hardcover]

Mr. Michael Joens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 19, 2004 | Series: Detective Sandra Cameron Mysteries

Each novel in this compelling new series about Los Angeles cops will deal with a unique and fascinating Los Angeles milieu. In her first outing, Detective Sandra Cameron finds out that drawing cartoons can be deadly, especially when you are as orignial and unorthodox as cartoonist extraordinaire, Patrick Stewart. When the talented but deceased Mr. Stewart is found lying next to a note reading, "That's All, Folks," most people assume he committed suicide.

Detective Sandra Cameron and her colleague Detective Sergeant Tom Rigby suspect Mr. Parker met a much darker demise, one that included some unasked-for assistance. They are even more suspicious after a beautiful dead girl, another cartoon-industry insider, is found floating in her tub. The two cops decide to combine forces, and their relationship teeters on the somewhat fluid boundary between their professional and personal lives. Tom has just been betrayed by an ex-wife, and he is distressed by his feelings for Sandra. She, on the other hand, has her own very comfortable life. She has to ask herself whether romance on the job is ever a good idea--does she really need a man in her life?

What she has in her life is a cold-blooded murder, and as Tom and Sandra struggle with their personal demons, including the ongoing unsolved case involving Sandra's brother, a devilish killer is concocting some chilling scenarios.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for An Animated Death in Burbank

"This new series is fraught with fascinating subject matter, a bright heroine, and detailed procedure. For fans of police crime novels."
--Library Journal

"The leads are a lively pair: a promising debut"
--Kirkus Reviews

"Mr. Jones has worked in the animation field and he brings his insider knowledge to his writing . . . The characters are very well-developed, complex, and extremely interesting. The plot is tight and builds suspense as it barrels to its conclusion. When this book ended I was sorry to put it down; the consolation is that there will be more."
--Mystery News

"The first in an intended series featuring a different element of Hollywood each time shows promise. . . many should enjoy the burgeoning love story between the principle players, and we will be reading the next"
--New Mystery Reader Magazine

"Well-written police procedural . . . The author knows his venue well."
--Animation World

"Insightful and exciting, this is murder at its best . . . . [A]n outstanding novel."
--Rendezous Review

"Smart, intelligent, and appealing . . . There's a lot of suspense and a surprise killer, plus quite a bit of interesting film animation lore. Joens, a longtime veteran of the industry, shows his expertise, and if he keeps to the Hollywood/film scenarios in future books, I think he could have a winner."
--Romantic Times Book Club

"The lead duo is a delightful spunky pair who provides this tale with extra pow and zap so that the audience has a good time following their exploits in the dangerous La La Land of
dn0 Hollywood"
--Harriet Klausner

About the Author

Michael Joens has worked in virtually every level of the animation industry--animator, storyboard artist, character designer, director, and producer. He has also written several television scripts, animated shorts, and four previous novels. He is the co-owner of the Stillwater Production Company, a film studio where he has produced and directed numerous animated commercials for Hasbro, Milton Bradley, Kenner and Playskool, as well as many award-winning videos. He currently lives with his wife Cathy and family on a horse ranch in Agua Dulce, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Minotaur Books; First Edition edition (January 19, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312307160
• ISBN-13: 978-0312307165
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,742,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A grand debut, January 7, 2004

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Animated Death In Burbank: A Detective Sandra Cameron Mystery (Detective Sandra Cameron Mysteries) (Hardcover)

Once he was considered by Hollywood as one of animation royals, but though he remains a force in the industry the virtuoso Parker Stewart is descending from the mountaintop. His descent becomes complete when he is found dead with a bullet in his head and a suicide note of sorts on his computer screen: "That's All Folks" in a house surrounded by pictures of the Looney Tune characters.

Though it looks like suicide, Burbank police detectives Tom Rigby and his partner Dan Bolt make inquiries anyway. Soon LA County Sheriff Detective Sergeant wealthy Sandy Cameron joins the team and works closely with Tom. As they begin to follow a loony trail of real life murder, Tom and Sandy are attracted to one another. However, he still struggles with his ex-wife aborting their three month old unborn and she wonders if she really wants a relationship when her lifestyle is near perfect. Of course there is a serial killer to catch before he downsizes more of the animation population.

This is not Bugs or Mickey, but more like a version of Roger Rabbit without the humor. The story line is action-packed as the two police officers work the case while desiring one another. The serial killer scenario seems absurd, but then again this is a cartoon killer. The lead duo is a delightful spunky pair who provides this tale with extra pow and zap so that the audience has a good time following their exploits in the dangerous La La Land of Hollywood.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery? Romance? Whatever - It's Just Cool, June 10, 2004

By 

George Buttner "Agent0042" (Dayton, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Animated Death In Burbank: A Detective Sandra Cameron Mystery (Detective Sandra Cameron Mysteries) (Hardcover)

A seemingly simple suicide case turns out to be anything but. Add in two related cases - one a definite murder and the tale soon becomes one of fascinating mystery, romance and intrigue.

All of the characterizations in the book are very realistic, with a great level of depth. To discuss them in much detail would spoil certain key plot elements, but both they and the events of the story evoke strong emotions.

My favorite part is how the author seems to have a real understanding of the animation industry. After checking the cover flap, it turns out that he has worked in a number of jobs in animation. I think it brings a real authenticity to the book that makes for some very fascinating reading. The author seems to have some very strong opinions about certain aspects of the animation industry. The fictional animation company portrayed in the book has many parallels to some in the real world.

I was disappointed to learn that this is the first book in the series... but only because that means I can't run right out and read some more! I hope that there's another story soon, because this a great book that definitely deserves a followup.

4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable and intriguing mystery, August 5, 2007

By 

Nancy A. Fox (West Covina, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Animated Death In Burbank: A Detective Sandra Cameron Mystery (Detective Sandra Cameron Mysteries) (Hardcover)

This is a terrific and enjoyable mystery. Michael Joens has created a fun and interesting cast of characters, from the main protagonists to the various suspects and victims. I found myself caring about these characters and wanting to find out what happened next.

The main characters, detectives for the Burbank Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department, are likeable and interesting. The mystery itself is compelling, and the solution is not obvious. As a native southern Californian, I especially enjoyed the details about places the characters visited, since I was familiar with a number of the locales and areas.

Sandy Cameron and Tom Rigby are investigating three deaths: one looks like a probable suicide, one looks like an accident, and one is definitely a murder. What connects all three deaths is the animation industry, and in particular a specific period where ideas were being "pitched" for new animated series. Sandy and Tom decide to work together since their cases seem to be connected, and find themselves drawn toward each other personally and professionally.

This is listed as being the first in a series of books featuring Detective Sandra Cameron. The character is likeable and multi-faceted enough to continue a series, and the author's writing style keeps you involved with the story and the characters (there is a particularly gripping scene where we experience a murder over the phone.) I plan on getting a copy of the second book of the series to find out what happened to the characters next.