Nicky, a successful movie star, is on the quest for a more fulfilling existence. When he comes up against a brick wall, unable to find a more challenging role than a tawdry detective, he is drawn into investigating the strange circumstances surrounding the unexplained death of a retired costume designer, Lucille. He is also the recipient of menacing letters, possibly written by an obsessed fan. Now Nicky has to play the role of detective for real, drilling down to the truth as to what really happened to Lucille.
This is an evocative novel, which delves into the behind-the-scenes life of movie production. The author is a costume designer—clearly familiar with the ins and outs of movie sets—a detail which shines through, engaging the reader throughout. The vital people involved in make-up and costume design are incorporated into the narrative, giving the reader insight into the movie-making process.
The main character, Nicky Faime, is easy to empathize with. He is humble, down-to-earth, and doesn’t lust after luxury and wealth. Clearly, life in the spotlight is challenging for Nicky, but he somehow manages to remain grounded, nevertheless. The other characters, such as Carlos, a somewhat jittery and anxious chef, was also well-developed, and a character who was relatable.
The novel is written in third person, with shifting points of view throughout. This worked well, as it gave an insight into the characters’ minds and kept the reader hooked. The ending is suspenseful and surprising, and kept me guessing until the final chapter.
All in all, I’d recommend Nine Black Lives to those who enjoy mysteries or have an interest in movie production. Through its riveting exploration of life on a movie set, this book is a hidden gem, with memorable characters who will stay with you long after the final page.
If you want to download and read Resa’s wonderful novel, you can click on this link to her site, where it can be downloaded for free here: Nine Black Lives – Graffiti Lux Art & More
Also, for those of you who are familiar with Resa’s inspiring blog, Graffiti Lux Art & More (Graffiti Lux Art & More – Luxuriating in the Arts – Art Remembers Us), I’ve got a real treat for you below . . .
Resa’s appreciation for street art inspired me to take some photographs on my recent trip to Ghent, Belgium. Thank you, Resa, for inspiring me to check out these amazing murals!
Here are some of the highlights I managed to capture on camera:
The Introverted Bookworm 
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