Land of Dreams: A Novel

If you're drawn to stories set in Old Hollywood where glamour masks darker truths, this one delivers. The novel centers on Frankie, a sharp-witted publicity specialist working behind the scenes at a major studio during the Depression. She's the kind of character who notices everything—the contradictions, the lies, the carefully constructed facades that keep the machine running. When a high-profile celebrity wedding she's orchestrating becomes entangled with murder and buried secrets, Frankie finds herself caught between protecting her career and uncovering what really happened.

What makes this work is the atmosphere. Sardar captures the peculiar toxicity of 1930s Hollywood: the desperation of people chasing stardom, the casual cruelty of those in power, the way ambition can corrode your judgment. The pacing moves steadily, pulling you through revelations without feeling rushed. The mystery itself unfolds in layers rather than all at once, which keeps you genuinely uncertain about where the truth lies. Frankie's voice—pragmatic, observant, occasionally weary—grounds the story even as the plot spirals into increasingly complicated territory.

That said, this leans more toward historical fiction with mystery elements than a traditional whodunit. If you're expecting a tightly plotted puzzle where all the clues are fairly presented, you might find yourself wanting sharper structure. The emotional and atmospheric elements are the real heart here. The book works best for readers who care about character, setting, and the moral compromises people make under pressure, and who don't mind a narrative that prioritizes mood and revelation over puzzle-solving mechanics.

It's a solid, absorbing read that respects your intelligence while delivering genuine intrigue. Perfect for anyone who loved the intricate world-building of similar period pieces.