Not one of the better Johnson Johnson books in my opinion. But for those like myself who have read most of this series, it was interesting to get a little glimpse into his prior life. ( )

artist, TV-personality, detective-fiction, mystery, make-up-artist, crime-fiction, British, tTV-film-industry, historical, Portugal, espionage, 1983, dyslexia, situational-humor, verbal-humor, murder, murder-investigation, danger, journalist, smuggling, law-enforcement, drug-enforcement****

This book is contemporary to the time in which it was written.
Rita is a 4'11" make-up artist from Scotland with dyslexia, and all the other characters are just as interesting. Some attitudes are unacceptable today, but the story itself is funny and well done.
I requested and received a free temporary e-book copy from Farrago Books via NetGalley.artist, ( )

Not one of the better Johnson Johnson books in my opinion. But for those like myself who have read most of this series, it was interesting to get a little glimpse into his prior life. ( )

https://tamaranth.blogspot.com/2020/04/2020036-dolly-and-bird-of-paradise.html ( )

I remember being confused by this set of books, after reading the Lymond series. Where was the dynamic hero? Johnson Johnson is an irascible know-it-all, crippled and bi-focal wearing.
The story starts when Rita, a make-up artist is recommended by a showbiz contact to make up a glamorous journalist, and Johnson Johnson's flat is used. After which, she is contracted to work with Miz Sheridan for a film project, which means a trip to Madeira. Her showbiz contact then dies, apparently a suicide, but there are other strange things going on and Rita tries to investigate. Drugs and bananas. The action moves to JJ's yacht, and across the seas to St Lucia one step ahead of a hurricane. The denoument takes place in a volcanic caldera, although the working out of who did what to whom, and why, takes a little longer to wrap up.
Fast paced and sometimes opaque, this is the first of a collection of books, and Rita is one of the most memorable characters you will meet. Highbrow plotting mixed with high octane action and entertainment.
(but it doesn't have Lymond!) ( )