First published 2026
The discovery of a forgotten Fred Astaire musical from 1933 sets off a wild scramble among thieves, con artists, and movie lovers who believe the sole surviving print could make them rich. The hunt takes them from London's back alleys to New York's studios to Hollywood's golden lots. Real stars like Cary Grant and Gene Kelly find themselves caught up in the chaos alongside fictional schemers, each group trying to outsmart the others. A taxi driver played by a young Jay Leno cracks jokes while ferrying the conspirators around town. Dance legends Cyd Charisse and Esther Williams join the madness, along with character actors like Elisha Cook Jr. and Arthur Treacher. As the chase intensifies across three cities, the question becomes whether anyone will actually get their hands on the priceless film or if the pursuit itself will destroy what makes the movies magical in the first place.
Genres: fiction, adventure, crime, comedy
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, whimsical
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Hollywood, London, New York
Period: 1933
238 pages · Kindle Edition · Book Domain LLC.