Land of Dreams: A Novel

Our Review:

This book dropped me right into 1930s Hollywood with all its glitter and grime, and I found myself completely absorbed in Frankie's world. She's the kind of protagonist I love — sharp, resourceful, morally complicated — and watching her navigate the studio system's web of lies kept me turning pages well past my bedtime. Sardar clearly did her homework on the era, and the details feel lived-in rather than showy.

The mystery at the heart of the story is solid, but honestly, I was more invested in the relationships and the ethical tightrope Frankie walks as a "fixer." There's real tension in her choices about who deserves protection and who gets thrown to the wolves. The pacing does slow a bit in the middle as the various threads get untangled, but it picks back up nicely for a satisfying finish.

If you loved the atmosphere of something like *Malibu Rising* or have a soft spot for Old Hollywood stories that peek behind the curtain, this one's for you. It's got romance, scandal, and just enough darkness to feel authentic without being bleak. A really enjoyable escape.