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The Platinum Loop
The new novel of suspense and dark humor from the author of Crimson Orgy is... The Platinum Loop.
"Pulp fun at its best."—Publishers Weekly
"Dark, funny, and fast paced."—ReaderViews
"Noirish bizzaro fun."—Booklist
Las Vegas, 1973. Two-bit film producer Gene Hoffman is flat broke and desperate to wash away the sins of his recent past. When he meets a low-rent hustler named Floyd Manning who promises an easy payday with minimal risk, Gene enters into a scheme that looks like salvation. It quickly turns into a nightmare.
The unlikely ticket to riches at the center of their plan: a raunchy home movie starring the most famous Hollywood blonde of the 20th century. She’s not quite who Gene expects her to be, and she comes with a price far greater than he can pay.
Tender and violent, comic and dark, sexy and suspenseful, THE PLATINUM LOOP by Austin Williams is a breakneck ride from start to finish.
"Pulp fun at its best."—Publishers Weekly
"Dark, funny, and fast paced."—ReaderViews
"Noirish bizzaro fun."—Booklist
Las Vegas, 1973. Two-bit film producer Gene Hoffman is flat broke and desperate to wash away the sins of his recent past. When he meets a low-rent hustler named Floyd Manning who promises an easy payday with minimal risk, Gene enters into a scheme that looks like salvation. It quickly turns into a nightmare.
The unlikely ticket to riches at the center of their plan: a raunchy home movie starring the most famous Hollywood blonde of the 20th century. She’s not quite who Gene expects her to be, and she comes with a price far greater than he can pay.
Tender and violent, comic and dark, sexy and suspenseful, THE PLATINUM LOOP by Austin Williams is a breakneck ride from start to finish.
322 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2011
299 people want to read
About the author
Austin Williams
9 books189 followersAustin Williams is the author of the cult suspense novels Crimson Orgy and The Platinum Loop. He also wrote The Rusty Diamond Series of crime thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 11, 2012
An indirect follow-up to 'Crimson Orgy' - the book about the production of a bgrade horror flick produced by Gene Hoffman by which a crew member spawns a murderous rampage and terrorises the cast, killing not only a starlet but also Gene's chances of making the big time. In 'The Platinum Loop' Gene once again finds himself in the thick of the b-grade movie business, this time by way of producing/selling the infamous Marilyn Monroe sex tape. Following a chance encounter, he teams up with Floyd Manning, a schemer on the look-out for a quick buck - with the match made, the duo set out on the rocky road to fortune and fame (albeit somewhat misguided).
Set in 1973 - with a back group of Vegas, LA and Tijuana - the heat on the duo is both proverbial and actual. Broken into three direct sequences, the reader is treated to a bevy of interesting and well defined characters, from a PI on the hunt to avenge the death of a starlet in 'Crimson Orgy' to the sexy Marilyn Monroe look-a-like, Stella, and gangster-ish Henry Prewett who is the intended buyer of the rare tape. Throw in a trio of roughneck rednecks, an abusive marine, and a lusty serving girl and you've got an all encompassing tale of violence, humour, and love accompanied by plenty of thrills and spills.
'The Platinum Loop' is full of hard and fast action sequences offset by tongue in cheek jocularity with an overarching story of love and longing to top things off. Austin Williams has yet again mastered the 'page-turner', I simply couldn't get through this quick enough. 5 stars.
Set in 1973 - with a back group of Vegas, LA and Tijuana - the heat on the duo is both proverbial and actual. Broken into three direct sequences, the reader is treated to a bevy of interesting and well defined characters, from a PI on the hunt to avenge the death of a starlet in 'Crimson Orgy' to the sexy Marilyn Monroe look-a-like, Stella, and gangster-ish Henry Prewett who is the intended buyer of the rare tape. Throw in a trio of roughneck rednecks, an abusive marine, and a lusty serving girl and you've got an all encompassing tale of violence, humour, and love accompanied by plenty of thrills and spills.
'The Platinum Loop' is full of hard and fast action sequences offset by tongue in cheek jocularity with an overarching story of love and longing to top things off. Austin Williams has yet again mastered the 'page-turner', I simply couldn't get through this quick enough. 5 stars.
November 22, 2011
In this sterling crime thriller, two small timers meet in Vegas and hatch a plan to make some heavy cash selling a legendary filmstrip reported to be the personal property of J. Edgar Hoover. Floyd Manning will take care of the negotiations, and Gene Hoffman will use his intimidating physique to quell any trouble if things get tense. It sounds simple enough. But of course, things do get tense in a hurry as this dubious scheme starts to go haywire before it even gets started.
Both of these guys have a lot to gain if their plans succeed, but what we don't know right away is how much either one of them has to lose. And that's where the story really gets interesting. Gene claims he just needs the money to get a movie project off the ground, but why is he being followed by a gun-toting private investigator? Floyd insists this is an easy sale to a reputable buyer, but how come he keeps changing his story every step of the way? And why do they need to travel to some mysterious place on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico just to close this deal?
All these questions get answered as the book progresses, and the results are consistently fun and surprising. There's no shortage of violence, romantic intrigue, and even some laughs thrown into the mix. All in all, a very original novel of action and suspense.
Both of these guys have a lot to gain if their plans succeed, but what we don't know right away is how much either one of them has to lose. And that's where the story really gets interesting. Gene claims he just needs the money to get a movie project off the ground, but why is he being followed by a gun-toting private investigator? Floyd insists this is an easy sale to a reputable buyer, but how come he keeps changing his story every step of the way? And why do they need to travel to some mysterious place on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico just to close this deal?
All these questions get answered as the book progresses, and the results are consistently fun and surprising. There's no shortage of violence, romantic intrigue, and even some laughs thrown into the mix. All in all, a very original novel of action and suspense.
October 21, 2011
Set in 1973, The Platinum Loop by Austin Williams is a new novel scheduled for release in November 2011. Desperate and broke, low-class film producer Gene saves celebrity paraphernalia hustler Floyd in Vegas as he's getting beat up for a deal gone sour. Floyd talks Gene into returning to his Hollywood accommodations to see the best item in his collection - the platinum loop, a raunchy home movie of Marilyn Monroe with some unknown man. Unfortunately the platinum loop isn't all that Floyd made it out to be and Gene and Floyd spend the next few weeks trying to put together something that their rich buyer will purchase.
And that's your story. Two not so great guys get together to fake a home movie of one of the world's biggest stars doing unspeakable things so that they can sell it to an abusive and perverted man in Tijuana. Not only didn't like the idea behind the plot, I didn't like any of the characters. At no point while I was reading did I think, oh I want these guys to succeed. It was more like, I hate people that lie and scam others. This book may be right for someone, but it wasn't for me. 2 stars.
And that's your story. Two not so great guys get together to fake a home movie of one of the world's biggest stars doing unspeakable things so that they can sell it to an abusive and perverted man in Tijuana. Not only didn't like the idea behind the plot, I didn't like any of the characters. At no point while I was reading did I think, oh I want these guys to succeed. It was more like, I hate people that lie and scam others. This book may be right for someone, but it wasn't for me. 2 stars.
October 15, 2011
Reviewed by Amanda Wesley for Reader Views
In the fall of 1973, Floyd Manning finds himself scanning the view of the Vegas underbelly from his hotel balcony, upside-down and in the clutches of a Texan named Billy Bob - all of this over a pair of Frank Sinatra's dice. Floyd doesn't have much time to think about his next move as he is plunging headlong into a dumpster four stories below.
Meanwhile, Gene Hoffman, a low budget movie producer, is leaving a table that now has all of his money and the last of his luck. While trying to figure out where he is going to find the money for his next film, the massive Texans barrel into him and out the door in search of the unfinished job they just dropped. Gene follows them out and soon saves a broken and bloody Floyd. This is where the unlikely partnership of Floyd and Gene starts.
In a diner down the road, Floyd explains to Gene that he sells movie star memorabilia and that his next job is going to be the quickest and easiest money he has ever earned. Floyd tells him about a little stag film that wouldn't be much of anything, except for the leading role is one of the biggest bombshell actresses ever. A chain of guards, stars, presidents, and this movie is known as "The Platinum Loop." Gene leaves Floyd thinking he is crazy and has a death wish.
Gene returns to his hotel room to find out that his past has finally caught up with him in the form of a private investigator. With no other options, he seeks out Floyd and sets out on a journey that should lead to the easiest money either man has ever made.
Man plans, God laughs. From the twinkling lights of Las Vegas to flashy Hollywood and then in the filthy streets of Tijuana, Floyd and Gene run into more trouble then any two men ever should. With a cast of characters that are as colorful as the neon lights, I couldn't wait to see what kind of mayhem was lurking on the next page. Austin Williams has done a great job of delivering tons of action with a heavy dose of thrill that it was easy to get lost in the gritty world of 1973 as he has presented it. With that being said, I wasn't even alive in 1973 so some of the material in this book, such as the pop culture references, will be lost on the younger generations. As a reader, I can find such dated jokes and ideas either distracting or as an enhancement to the authenticity of a period piece. Fortunately, "The Platinum Loop" had such a strong plot that I could overlook most of it and just enjoy the ride.
I would go as far to say that anyone who enjoyed Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" would like Austin Williams' "The Platinum Loop" as well. It was dark, funny, and fast paced, everything I love in a good action book.
Book received free of charge.
In the fall of 1973, Floyd Manning finds himself scanning the view of the Vegas underbelly from his hotel balcony, upside-down and in the clutches of a Texan named Billy Bob - all of this over a pair of Frank Sinatra's dice. Floyd doesn't have much time to think about his next move as he is plunging headlong into a dumpster four stories below.
Meanwhile, Gene Hoffman, a low budget movie producer, is leaving a table that now has all of his money and the last of his luck. While trying to figure out where he is going to find the money for his next film, the massive Texans barrel into him and out the door in search of the unfinished job they just dropped. Gene follows them out and soon saves a broken and bloody Floyd. This is where the unlikely partnership of Floyd and Gene starts.
In a diner down the road, Floyd explains to Gene that he sells movie star memorabilia and that his next job is going to be the quickest and easiest money he has ever earned. Floyd tells him about a little stag film that wouldn't be much of anything, except for the leading role is one of the biggest bombshell actresses ever. A chain of guards, stars, presidents, and this movie is known as "The Platinum Loop." Gene leaves Floyd thinking he is crazy and has a death wish.
Gene returns to his hotel room to find out that his past has finally caught up with him in the form of a private investigator. With no other options, he seeks out Floyd and sets out on a journey that should lead to the easiest money either man has ever made.
Man plans, God laughs. From the twinkling lights of Las Vegas to flashy Hollywood and then in the filthy streets of Tijuana, Floyd and Gene run into more trouble then any two men ever should. With a cast of characters that are as colorful as the neon lights, I couldn't wait to see what kind of mayhem was lurking on the next page. Austin Williams has done a great job of delivering tons of action with a heavy dose of thrill that it was easy to get lost in the gritty world of 1973 as he has presented it. With that being said, I wasn't even alive in 1973 so some of the material in this book, such as the pop culture references, will be lost on the younger generations. As a reader, I can find such dated jokes and ideas either distracting or as an enhancement to the authenticity of a period piece. Fortunately, "The Platinum Loop" had such a strong plot that I could overlook most of it and just enjoy the ride.
I would go as far to say that anyone who enjoyed Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" would like Austin Williams' "The Platinum Loop" as well. It was dark, funny, and fast paced, everything I love in a good action book.
Book received free of charge.
October 21, 2011
As a fan of vintage noir and suspense novels, I had high hopes for "The Platinum Loop". I was not disappointed. This is the story of Floyd Manning, a Hollywood memorabilia salesman/con man, and Gene Hoffman, a producer of trashy low budget movies. When these two guys cross paths in Las Vegas circa 1973, you know they are headed for trouble. The plot involves a long lost 8mm sex film starring none other than Marilyn Monroe. Floyd convinces Gene there's a fortune to be made in selling a copy of this film, but he fails to mention any of the highly dubious and dangerous strings attached. Gene agrees to get involved against his better judgment and it's off to the races. This is a really fast moving book, with one crazy scene leading right into the next. I loved all the shady characters who drift in and out of the story, and the overall tone is a mix of moody noir and wild comedy. "The Platinum Loop" is a great read from start to finish.
November 12, 2011
A terrific new entry in the contemporary noir category, THE PLATINUM LOOP manages to feel both old school and fresh at the same time. I don't know if an X-rated short film of Marilyn Monroe getting down to business actually exists or if that's just standard urban myth bunk, but it really works as the engine of this book's lively and complex plot. There is a surfeit of action, sexy stuff and weird twists along the way. There's a little of Ellroy's darkness and a little of Hiasson's humor and somehow it all fits together nice and snug. I really liked most of the characters even if I didn't trust them a whole lot. That's part of the fun, discovering the hidden agendas that motivate these folks to do what they do. But the best part of THE PLATINUM LOOP, a throwback to classic pulp fiction in the truest sense, is the pungent feeling of time & place that just about seeps off the page. It's a ride worth taking.
November 24, 2011
Wonderfully entertaining tale of two low-rent schemers on the make. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern transplanted into the seedy seventies, with Glitter Gulch and Tinsel Town for a backdrop. Plot harkens back to old school capers like "Ocean's Eleven" and "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" with a touch of screwball comedy added for spice. Hollywood lore of both the on- and off-camera variety plays a recurring role throughout. It all winds up in a satisfying finale with everyone getting what they deserve.
July 17, 2015
This is the third book I have read by Austin Williams, and I have to say, that yet again his writing style grabbed me instantly and pulled me into the story. The Platinum Loop brings us back into the life of Gene Hoffman (first introduced in The Crimson Orgy) who has falls into a caper involving a possible film loop featuring Marilyn Monroe. It was nice to see references back to the Crimson Orgy. Mr. Williams does a wonderful job bringing this pulpy nourish world to life.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews