LONG BEACH, Calif. – Buddy Ebsen’s final novel, based on the long-running television series “Barnaby Jones,” has been printed.
“Sizzling Cold Case: The Legend of Lori London” (now available through AuthorHouse), is based on the show and is a lasting tribute to Ebsen, who portrayed the title character.
In the novel, beautiful starlet Lori London died suddenly some 18 years ago. Though her death was ruled a suicide, neither L.A. sleuth Barnaby Jones nor Hollywood believe that was the end of the story, and Barnaby would not let the cold case stay closed.
When another rising star (a dead ringer for Lori) is cast in the movie version of London’s demise with a “surprise” ending, on-set accidents, death threats and burned film canisters make it clear someone doesn’t want the truth to be told.
In his search for clues, Barnaby discovers a connection between the murderer of Lori London and the man who murdered Barnaby’s son in cold blood. He must confront his son’s killer once more.
Set in the heart of Hollywood, the thriller includes a richly detailed supporting cast. There is Betty, Barnaby’s daughter-in-law (the widow of his murdered son) and treasured assistant; Jedediah, Barnaby’s protege and law student; Lt. Biddle of the Hollywood precinct; flamboyant movie producer Tommy Morgan; rising star and Lori London look-alike Dawn Medford; and 6-foot-7 rookie detective Craig Scott, who takes it upon himself to join the investigation.
The story comes to a thrilling conclusion at the Hollywood premiere of “The True Story behind the Legend of Lori London.”
“No one could tell a story better than Buddy,” said Darlene Quinn, Ebsen’s longtime friend who finished the manuscript following the author’s death in July 2003. “Whether you were among the many Barnaby Jones fans or not, you’re bound to enjoy the plot twists as well as the exciting subplots.”
Ebsen’s best known characterizations were those of Barnaby Jones and Jed Clampett, patriarch of that celebrated piece of 1960s TV Americana “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
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