A mysterious woman on the run takes a job on a remote movie set, where a murder leads to a whodunnit, ill-advised use of chloroform and barbecue meat, and a revenge twist.

SYNOPSIS:

Sofia is on the run from her criminal family when a well-known actor hires her as a family peacemaker on a remote film location.

On set, she meets a colorful crew and family members with their own agendas. A tight budget and close quarters push everyone to their limits.

Sofia falls in love with the actor, mirroring a dysfunctional relationship with her father.

When the actor's wife is murdered, Sofia investigates, then helps with a cover-up. Alliances crumble and reform. When the sudden yet inevitable betrayal happens, Sofia reveals her dark side and becomes a vengeful antihero.

There's greed, backstabbing, sex, revenge, surprising twists, and lots of laughs in this dark comedy mystery-thriller. Plus chloroform.

Audience: The big characters plus double mystery will appeal to fans of Knives Out and The White Lotus.

Location / budget: Low to Medium. Mostly contained within a single lodge or resort. A few town scenes can easily be changed.

Casting: Lead female (20-30s), lead male (40-60s), ex-wife (40-50s), daughter (18), son (20s), film director (70s). Well-developed roles for a kooky makeup artist, head chef, sweet front desk girl, male body double, and two comedic detectives. Ethnicity is open / not a plot point.

Tamara Paulin is the author of mystery novels with sales over a million books. She is a national radio host, podcaster, writing teacher, and improviser.

FAMILY BUSINESS