Nikki's Journals 

By Morris Heldt

A group of struggling young screenwriters, in 1947 Hollywood, befriend an older Academy Award winning writer.  They study the art of writing and begin to see a promising future when one of the group is murdered, not once, but seemingly twice.  Unhappy with the police investigation they begin to examine the evidence themselves.  First, they must answer the question of why would anyone want two dead bodies to act the role of their murdered friend.

As the talented, young, Hollywood hopefuls search for their answer, they are confronted with the backdrop of creeping Communism in the film industry.  (It was a time in our history when a congressional committee, headed by an ambitious, and calculating young United States Senator, searched for Hollywood Communists.  And, unless you had a major studio supporting you, you were considered a suspect.)  When the young screenwriters begin questioning people they quickly find they are making enemies, and the name-calling begins. 

The story twists with plot turns, as the young writers try to figure out who killed their friend.  Was it because she was a Communist?  Or,  was it because she was going to expose several other people as Communists?  As their journey becomes harder they discover a truth about moral conviction within themselves.  The surprising ending leads one to believe, regardless of what you know, or whom you know, that we are seldom the image we project.  The majority of us will fight to survive and it is only our inner moral compass that prevents us from devouring one another.

Although the time was several years ago the characters in Nikki's Journals is a reflection of most of us.

Purchase this book through the these popular, online booksellers: