Blow Out

by Neal Williams, Brian De Palma

A movie sound recordist accidentally records the evidence that proves that a car accident was actually murder and consequently finds himself in danger.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

152 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a movie sound designer accidentally records evidence proving a car accident was actually murder, he consequently finds himself in danger as political forces gather to take out all the witnesses.
Well adapted from Brian De Palma’s screenplay, this changes the surname of the hero (from Terry to Luce) and, also, allows a character to survive whose death gives the film its wallop of a bleak ending. Written by Neal Williams (who never wrote anything else and is, I believe, a pen name for William Neal Harrison, who wrote “The Rollerball Murders” short story) with a keen eye for detail, terrific pace and great characterisation, this expands on the film and gives us full back stories to both Sally and Burke, while also allowing us to see some of the machinations behind the scenes the film doesn’t. Gripping and clever, this made me want to watch the film all over again, which is praise indeed and I’m now keen to read more by Harrison. Very much recommended.

[Mikepottz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed sound engineer Jack will get caught up in a conspiracy shit storm after recording an assassination of a potential Presidential candidate as his car crashes off a bridge into a river. Jack will need to fight together with a troubled women to overcome police, political, and extreme power hungry rich men corruption but worst of all a deranged, loony, maniacal killer who will stop at nothing.

[Andrew Overbye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basically a book centered on the Lithgow character. I ain't complaining.