Thirty-year-old reporter Samantha (Sam) Giancarlo works for a newspaper in LA. One day her boss sends her on an assignment to the home of an old-time movie star from the 1940's/1950's who has been living in seclusion. The elderly movie star (Margaret Truesdale) tells Sam that she asked for her specifically, and that she is her grandmother (Sam is adopted and never knew who her parents were). Margaret also tells Sam someone knows of her whereabouts (Margaret is back in the USA after living abroad for many years) and that someone fully intends to kill her (Margaret).

Back in the 1940's Margaret had a film rival (Mary Lamont) who was deeply jealous of her and always held a grudge against her. Throughout the years Mary was institutionalized for her apparent insanity. Now, in 1996, Mary has escaped and is out looking for Margaret. Margaret is worried about her safety and the safety of Sam, her only living relative/descendant.

Sam goes to Oakhaven Sanitorium where Mary had been staying before she escaped. She talks to the head of the sanitorium, and also meets handsome hero, Aidan Brodie, (who is in his late 30's and is an insurance investigator). After an attempt is made on their lives they both team up to try to find out where Mary is, and if Mary is receiving any outside help.

I liked Sam, she was a good heroine. I also liked Aiden. He had some Irish ancestry, his family moved from Dublin to Boston when he was thirteen. The supporting cast of characters/suspects were lively and interesting. I also liked all the references to the 40's and 50's---movies, stars, etc...

I did enjoy this book, but it didn't grab my attention as much as the other Jenna Ryan books I've read. Maybe it was my mood? It seemed slow at times, but it sure wasn't bad. An okay read. ( )