A young actress is killed in a tunnel connecting a theater and studio that is actually a museum depicting famous scene from old 40s films. The theater, tunnel and studio are owned by Eddie Archer and Archer's Wizardry and Effects has gone into lockdown to keep secret the effects that are being prepared for the remake of a 40s movie "Sam Stone and the Curious Case of the Egyptian Museum" into a newer modern remake called The Unholy.

Did one of the mannequins come to life or as the police believe did Alistair do the deed? No one who knows him thinks it's possible but what else could have happened? He was the only one at the theater, the only one with a key to the studio via the tunnel,and no one to witness the death of a young, little known actress.

Eddie Archer calls in a favor after his son is arrested for murder. FBI agent and member of a unit that specializes in paranormal investigation, Sean Cameron is brought in to investigate. Sean has ties to the family as he had worked as special effects artist for Archer.

Madison Darvil, an employee at the effects studio is asked by Eddie Archer to help Sean re-acclimate to the studio and Los Angeles, since he had left he now hails from Texas. Archer also believes that her special ability might be helpful to the investigation. Madison speaks to, sees and hears ghost. In fact she has a rather famous ghost hanging around her house watching old television shows. Though she is fearful everyone will think she is crazy, she agrees to help because she cannot believe Alistair guilty of such a crime.

I've long admired Heather Graham's story telling ability and this book hit the mark. I couldn't put THE UNHOLY down. Ms. Graham included introduction and discussion of various old films that reminded us all of the glitz and glamour of the 1940s movie world.

The explanation to the ins and outs of police and federal investigation procedures did have me dragging out the dictionary a couple of times but it helped clarify the actions being taken. There are a number of secondary characters: a wife, ex-wife, members of the Krewe, employees to the studio, but the dialogue is interesting and realistic.

My only complaint would be for those looking for a lot of romance, it took a long time for the couple to admit their attraction to each other and do something about it.

If you are the type of reader who likes to try to solve the mystery you will love this book. With each chapter I was sure I had the answer to the who done it, but was completely surprised by the ending.