Good characters/old time movie actress

Two of Elmore Leonard's most notable talents are demonstrated in this novel, his ability to develop rich and interesting characters and his talent for dialogue.

Ex-secret service agent and current photographer, Joe LaBrava gets involved with a friend who is a hotel owner. His friend is very fond of a former actress who lives at the same hotel as Joe's friend. She moves within reality and the world of alcoholism. She also lives in the past world of her former movies.

There is also a schemer, Richard Nobles, who has something planned with the actress.  While this is getting under way, he's trying to force his way into a number of businesses with a protection racket.

This is a lighthearted, fun read and enables the reader to think of old-time actresses who have been passed over by Hollywood and have the reader wonder what it must be like to go from the glamor of starring in a movie, to obscurity.