Hollywood, a land of glitz and glamour, has always been a rich source of fascinating stories. But it’s not just on-screen where the drama unfolds. Arthur Coburn, a seasoned veteran of the editing world known for his work on blockbusters like Spiderman and Talent for the Game, has taken a leap into the literary world. His novel, “Murder in Concrete”, merges his deep Hollywood experience with a gripping narrative that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Arthur Coburn grew up in New Jersey, went to Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, then moved to Hollywood, where he edited more than two dozen films, including Spiderman, A Simple Plan and The Cooler. He is a member of Sisters in Crime and MWA. He won the Novel Prize at the Southern California Writer’s Conference in June 2005 for Rough Cut. His short stories, Some Creature I Care About, and Backswing, appeared in Sisters in Crime Anthologies: LAmarked for Murder and Ladies Night.
Arthur is a member of the Motion Picture Academy and the Foreign Film Committee for he which watches dozens of domestic films and upward of fifty films from all over the world in order to vote for best foreign film.
His current novel, Murder in Concrete, is available for pre-order on Amazon and will be published by Wild Rose Press on March 11, 2024.
A Journey from Grief to Mystery
The story plunges us into the life of Charlie, a high schooler whose world is upended by personal tragedy. The murder of her mother and the mysterious disappearance of her father push her off the conventional path. Despite the odds, Charlie finds strength to pursue her education, but her past is never far behind. A chance sighting of her missing father in a film propels her into an unexpected journey to Los Angeles.
Unraveling the Mystery in the Desert
Charlie’s search leads her to a surreal setting – a low-budget zombie movie production in the desert. It’s here that Coburn’s expertise shines through. His portrayal of a movie set, with its unique characters and behind-the-scenes dynamics, is authentic and captivating. The aging film star, the enigmatic Russian scriptwriter, and the dismissive crew members all become pieces in the puzzle Charlie is desperately trying to solve. Coburn skillfully navigates through the intricacies of Charlie’s investigation, keeping readers guessing at every turn.
A Twist You Never See Coming
What sets “Murder in Concrete” apart is its deep understanding of human emotions and the complexities of the film industry. Charlie’s quest is not just a pursuit for truth, but also a journey of self-discovery. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she’s forced to confront harsh realities and accept truths she might not be ready for. The climax of the story is a testament to Coburn’s storytelling prowess – a twist that is as heart-wrenching as it is unexpected.
The book Synopsis
When Charlie Purdue returns home from a high school pre-graduation assembly she finds her mother dead on the bathroom floor, throat slit. Her father is missing; his body later dragged from the Skagit River. Charlie develops delusions, recurring flashbacks, and fits of anger.
She goes to a therapist who treats her for the PTSD resulting from her trauma. After three months, she makes enough progress to enroll in college. There, she makes a new friend, Nina, who takes her to a festival of low budget films. In one of them, Charlie sees an actor she knows is the father she thought had died.
She sets off to find him in Los Angeles and ends up at a desert location near Barstow where she joins a company shooting a low-budget zombie thriller. Crew members say they have never heard of her father, or that he died months ago, Charlie keeps looking, and finds him. Though she learns she was adopted from a Russian Mafia boss when her dad borrowed money from the man. When the Russians come to kill her dad, Charlie helps him fool them with a movie trick. He saves her from drowning in an underground river.
She has her first romance, with Brett, the film’s immature leading man.
Charlie’s Grandma Lottie is murdered. Before Charlie heads back for Lottie’s funeral, she learns that her best friend, Nina, is part of the Russian mob trying to kill her dad. On the day of funeral Dad shows up at the old cement plant in Concrete, as does Nina’s brother, Andrei, who admits he killed Lottie as well as Charlie’s mom. In the ensuing shootout Andrei fires at Charlie but hits Nina. She dies, begging Charlie to find their father (the Mafia boss). Charlie does that.
Dad flies back to Los Angeles. Charlie, mindful that the Mafia may come after her, hunkers down in Seattle in disguise and under a fake name. She remains on her guard, but grows more confident than ever and ready for the next phase of her life.
Final Thoughts
Arthur Coburn has crafted a novel that is more than just a mystery; it’s a reflection on loss, resilience, and the often-underrated depth of human character. The backdrop of Hollywood, portrayed not as a dreamland but as a complex, multi-faceted world, adds a unique flavor to the story. Murder in Concrete” is a book that not only entertains but also stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. For those who love a good mystery, with a touch of Hollywood magic and human depth, this book is a must-read. You can also check out his website for more details.