Reviews
A Whitney Awards Finalist
A Finalist for the AML Young Adult Novel Award
“Chasing Starlight dazzles with richly drawn characters, a breathtaking mystery, and a vivid 1930s Hollywood setting. Black masterfully evokes the glamour and darkness of a mesmerizing era steeped in secrets, lies, and dreams.” —Cat Winters author of The Raven’s Tale
“Miss Fisher meets Tinseltown in this addictive mystery full of Old Hollywood glamour and slow-burn secrets. Chasing Starlight is the journey of aspiring-astronomer-turned-reluctant-sleuth Kate as she works not only to solve a murder but find her place in the world after a tumultuous past. Come for the gossipy glam of old Hollywood; stay for a cast of charmingly quirky characters and a mystery that will have you guessing until the end.” —McKelle George, author of Speak Easy, Speak Love
“Chasing Starlight is a mystery as alluring as old Hollywood itself—and fun! Teri Bailey Black’s story has a historical-yet-modern feel, and the setting is so creative and cinematic you’ll feel as if you’re sitting on a film set. With a cast of dream-chasers who showcase both the glamour and the grit, Chasing Starlight is delightful from the first scene to the last.” —Jodie Lynn Zdrok, author of Spectacle
“Black delivers an atmospheric mystery with cinematic flair that’s chock full of period detail, highlighting women’s roles in front of, and behind, the camera during Hollywood’s golden age. A captivating crowd pleaser.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This complex tale featuring blossoming romance, an edge-of-your-seat murder, and a host of characters to love and hate is recommended for collections where mysteries are popular.” —School Library Journal
“Entertainingly conveying the glitz of Kate’s Hollywood life and romantic interests, this breezy whodunit is a fun historical escape with satisfactory twists.” —Publishers Weekly
“A thrillingly romantic dive into Old Hollywood that will appeal to cinema and history buffs alike.” —Booklist
“A fast-paced crime story that nods knowingly at cinematic tropes even as it employs them, and it tugs at the heartstrings just the same.” —BookPage
“Hand this to readers who love mystery, romance, and the golden age of Hollywood filmmaking.” —School Library Connection (recommended)
Praise for Girl at the Grave
Winner of the 2019 Thriller Award for Best Young Adult Novel
“With its vibrant, atmospheric setting and lush and captivating prose, Girl at the Grave is in fact, a searing love story which kept me swooning page after page. Romantic tension between Valentine and Rowan sizzles, igniting a gothic love story that will burn in readers hearts, and minds, long after reading.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco
“Girl at the Grave kept me up late at night with its non-stop secrets, twists, and scandals. An entertaining homage to classic Gothic romances that will keep readers guessing until the very last chapter.”—Cat Winters, Morris-nominated author of Odd & True
“While the plot transpires with unforeseen turns, the romantic tension Black crafts between Valentine and Rowan pushes the pace, holding readers’ attention until the last page. Purchase where there are avid fans of gothic romance, historical fiction, and mystery.”—School Library Journal
“This gothic murder mystery will be a breath of fresh air for historical fiction buffs. Resourceful Valentine anchors this atmospheric debut, which marks Black as a writer to watch.”—Booklist