Thrillers, Arts & Entertainment - Fiction, Historical Fiction

The Edge of Ruin

Name: The Edge of Ruin
Author: Irene Fleming
ISBN: 9781429924924

by Irene Fleming

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Overview

During the very early days of silent movies, a murder during filming threatens the lives of two independent film producers in this thrilling historical mystery One day in 1909, Emily Weiss’s handsome and successful new husband, Adam, returns to their well-appointed Philadelphia home to tell her he’s sold everything they own, and they are going to New York to become independent movie producers. As he’s already signed a contract that will ruin them if not fulfilled, Emily agrees to go with him to New York and help him set up their movie company. But of course, it’s not that easy—all movie production is controlled by Thomas Edison and his partners in the Patent Trust who hold many of the major patents used in filmmaking. And they employ a team of often brutal detectives whose main job it is to go around and disrupt independent films, breaking cameras and even heads if necessary. With a colorful crew of actors, Adam and Emily head to Fort Lee, New Jersey where they set shooting the films to fulfill their contract. After evading Edison’s detectives a couple of times, one of them arrives on the set in time for a major crowd scene. And, while almost everyone’s back is turned, he is murdered. Now Adam sits in jail, charged with the crime, while Emily has to not only finish films but uncover the truth about the shocking murder.

About the Author, Irene Fleming

IRENE FLEMING lives in Lambertville, New Jersey, with her musician husband and their cat. Writing as Kate Gallison, she has three private eye novels and five traditional mysteries to her credit. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, the Authors Guild, the Hunterdon County Board of Elections and the Episcopal Church. She is an avid fan of silent movies.

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Editorials

Publishers Weekly

The early days of American cinema come vividly to life in the delightful first in a new series from the pseudonymous Fleming (The Organizer as Kate Gallison). In the fall of 1909, Philadelphians Emily and Adam Weiss use all their money to form Melpomene Moving Picture Studios. The newlyweds secure a contract with attorney Howie Kazanow to deliver four one-reel movies by the 23rd of that month. If they miss the deadline, Kazanow gets everything. Filming in New York is impossible because sneaky detectives for Thomas Edison's Motion Picture Patents Company will shut down any competitors. Weiss and company, including the talented if often inebriated Robert Montmorency, Russian Vera Zinovia, and ingenue Fay Winningly, head for Fort Lee, N.J., to avoid problems. Complications arise after Adam is arrested for stabbing an Edison detective to death in this sprightly mix of silver screen melodrama and mystery. (Apr.)

Kirkus Reviews

The early days of moviemaking provide exciting but dangerous experiences for a feisty young woman. In 1909, Emily Weiss bids farewell to a pleasant life in Philadelphia when husband Adam, who owns a string of nickelodeons, announces that he's selling everything to set up as a movie producer. The contract he's signed with his old college pal Howie Kazanow obligates him to produce four one-reelers posthaste or lose everything. The couple go to New York, where Emily's short-lived stint in show business proves useful in finding actors. They hire Angus Johnson, who has his own camera, to shoot the film, which they develop in their hotel bathroom. Emily and Adam have a real feel for what will succeed, but the business is cutthroat. All movie production is controlled by Thomas Edison's Patent Trust, which ruthlessly and sometimes violently suppresses independent producers. Once they've chosen scenic Fort Lee, N.J., for the shooting site, troubles arise. Adam is arrested for the murder of an extra, and Emily must take control. Realizing that they've unwittingly become involved with labor agitators, Pinkerton detectives, Edison's goons and grudges that go back years, she has to finish the movies and find the killer. Fleming's debut under her own name (as Kate Gallison, she published Grave Misgivings, 1998, etc.) offers an intriguing look at the background of early filmmaking. Emily is a strong heroine with a handsome but unappreciative husband. Perhaps future installments will reveal whether her marriage will stand the strain.