Dread Journey
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3.0 • 3 Ratings
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
A starlet on a transcontinental train fears her director may be trying to kill her in this novel by Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Dorothy B. Hughes.
Four years after she arrived in Los Angeles, Kitten Agnew has become a star. Though beautiful and talented, she'd be nowhere without Vivien Spender: Hollywood's most acclaimed director—and its most dangerous. But Kitten knew what she was getting into when she got involved with him; she had heard the stories of Viv's past discoveries: Once he discarded them, they ended up in a chorus line, a sanatorium, or worse. She knows enough of his secrets that he wouldn't dare destroy her career. But he may be willing to kill her.
On a train from Los Angeles to Chicago, Kitten learns that Viv is planning to offer her roommate a part that was meant for her. If she lets him betray her, her career will be over. But fight for the part, and she will be fighting for her life as well.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Cornell Woolrich meets Agatha Christie in this taut, grim reissue in the American Mystery Classics series, first published in 1945. The passengers on a claustrophobic train trip from Los Angeles to New York City are first viewed from the perspective of railroad porter James Cobbett, who briefly describes the principals before they come onstage. They include Viv Spender, a filthy rich movie mogul ("The Zeus of America's greatest industry!"); his secretary, Mike Dana; a honeymooning couple, the Crandalls; famous film star Kitten Agnew; and Gratia Shawn, a would-be Hollywood actress. Hughes (1904 1993) movingly evokes the quiet desperation of the characters, whose backstories she gradually reveals. In particular, Kitten fears that Viv is preparing to replace her as the lead in a film version of Mann's The Magic Mountain, and she suspects that he poisoned his wife. Deferring the identity of the inevitable murder victim heightens the suspense. Sarah Weinman (The Real Lolita) provides an insightful introduction. Fans of gritty crime fiction will be gratified.
Customer Reviews
Hitchcock Lives On In D. B. Hughes Masterpiece
This story has the claustrophobic feel of Hitchcock’s “Lifeboat.” A luxury train pushes it was across the desert. A motley group of passengers, plus one more. Death is the silent passenger. Murder is the final, early stop for one. Justice tries to find a seat. Dorothy B. Hughes delves into the poetry of the anguished souls struggling with their fears, moved by unexpected beauty, and facing the dawning rage against a heartless enemy amongst them.
This is great storytelling and deep prose. A must-have for any collection of fine books.