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North of Sunset
Michael Sennet - movie star - hates his life. The Vanity Plate Killer is enjoying his new life in Los Angeles, targeting people with vanity plates. When Michael Sennet is framed by a paparazzi photographer - license plate PAPRAZI - the movie star finds something he enjoys even more than making killing people.
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First published February 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 18, 2011
I need to start off by saying that the language in this book really held me up for some time. During the first few pages I think I read the F-word used in every part of speech. Seriously... noun, verb, adjective. The whole bit. For me, it was a bit much, even though I know people talk like this often. I managed to keep reading because I knew the story line would be good, I just had to make myself read through the language. Usually my intuitions are right, and they did not disappoint me this time.
Michael Sennet is an A-list celebrity. Actually, more like an A+ list celebrity. He thinks he's a god, but that does not keep him from being bored with his life. Everything is given to him, which makes his ego almost unbearable. However, the one thing he wants the most he can't have.
Cur Knudsen is a kool-aid drinking lunatic. As I read through his description and role in the American Purity Church, I just couldn't help but thinking about some of the various cults you hear about in the news. He would be grade-A material for such a news segment. In case you don't figure it out early on, Curt has some issues. He is the Vanity Plate Killer.
As a general rule, I try not to read the back covers of books. I tend to read the first chapter and the last page. I can tell whether or not I'll like a book from the first 20 pages or so. Going into this book, I had no idea about the twists in events that I would encounter fairly early on. Needless to say, I was surprised. Given Michael's arrogant nature, I thought he would be a target and that would be the story. I really didn't anticipate his role in the copy cat murder. It made complete sense though, since his selfishness has created this unobtainable view of perfection that no one can live up to. Not even Michael Sennet himself. When all the loose ends start to wrap up, I got my Pulp Fiction tingles. At least that is the mood I contribute to the ending. (By the way, Pulp Fiction is one of my favorite movies--even with the language.)
The characters in this book are phenomenal. The are well written, flaws and all. I liked how the story was told from one character's view at a time. You really had an opportunity to get into their heads. The hubris of each of the "celebrity" characters (mainly, Michael Sennet) was real. All of the characters were flawed but believable. Surprisingly, the traits that made Michael vain and arrogant can also be found in many of the other characters. Personally, when I think of Hollywood, these are the types of people I imagine.
Overall, I can't give the book a four (4) because of the over-abundant use of the F-bomb. Seriously. It really did hamper my reading. I found myself only being able to read three or four pages at a time because of it. I eventually conditioned myself to it and made it through the remainder of the story fairly quickly. (Michael's slip into crazy land made it easy to become engrossed.) I give it a solid three (3) for my tastes. If language doesn't bother you, I'm sure you'll rate it higher. The basis of the story is original and well written/ developed. And, the characters--as screwed up as they were-- were actually likable (to some extent). North of Sunset is marketed as a satire, and I fully agree. It's a well-written Hollywood satire.
Michael Sennet is an A-list celebrity. Actually, more like an A+ list celebrity. He thinks he's a god, but that does not keep him from being bored with his life. Everything is given to him, which makes his ego almost unbearable. However, the one thing he wants the most he can't have.
Cur Knudsen is a kool-aid drinking lunatic. As I read through his description and role in the American Purity Church, I just couldn't help but thinking about some of the various cults you hear about in the news. He would be grade-A material for such a news segment. In case you don't figure it out early on, Curt has some issues. He is the Vanity Plate Killer.
As a general rule, I try not to read the back covers of books. I tend to read the first chapter and the last page. I can tell whether or not I'll like a book from the first 20 pages or so. Going into this book, I had no idea about the twists in events that I would encounter fairly early on. Needless to say, I was surprised. Given Michael's arrogant nature, I thought he would be a target and that would be the story. I really didn't anticipate his role in the copy cat murder. It made complete sense though, since his selfishness has created this unobtainable view of perfection that no one can live up to. Not even Michael Sennet himself. When all the loose ends start to wrap up, I got my Pulp Fiction tingles. At least that is the mood I contribute to the ending. (By the way, Pulp Fiction is one of my favorite movies--even with the language.)
The characters in this book are phenomenal. The are well written, flaws and all. I liked how the story was told from one character's view at a time. You really had an opportunity to get into their heads. The hubris of each of the "celebrity" characters (mainly, Michael Sennet) was real. All of the characters were flawed but believable. Surprisingly, the traits that made Michael vain and arrogant can also be found in many of the other characters. Personally, when I think of Hollywood, these are the types of people I imagine.
Overall, I can't give the book a four (4) because of the over-abundant use of the F-bomb. Seriously. It really did hamper my reading. I found myself only being able to read three or four pages at a time because of it. I eventually conditioned myself to it and made it through the remainder of the story fairly quickly. (Michael's slip into crazy land made it easy to become engrossed.) I give it a solid three (3) for my tastes. If language doesn't bother you, I'm sure you'll rate it higher. The basis of the story is original and well written/ developed. And, the characters--as screwed up as they were-- were actually likable (to some extent). North of Sunset is marketed as a satire, and I fully agree. It's a well-written Hollywood satire.
January 18, 2009
I wrote it.
May 12, 2023
A serial killer is stalking Hollywood. He's known as the Vanity Plate Killer as he only targets those vain enough to have a vanity plate on their car which he takes along with their life. It seems like Hollywood should be a place that wouldn't have a serial killer; it's the city of dreams not nightmares.
Michael Sennet is Hollywood's leading man. He is the star of whatever movie he is in, his face instantly recognizable. He is recognized wherever he goes and everyone loves him. But Michael isn't happy. He wants something more. His marriage is stale and he wants to direct but is pigeonholed into the acting role. When he strays from his marriage in a moment of pique, he is photographed and then blackmailed.
Michael can't have that. He is the king not some pitiable victim. He kills his blackmailer and mimics the Vanity Plate Killer. He gets away with that but then there's the neighbor who saw something, the real serial killer who isn't happy about someone stealing his fame, those who keep Michael from doing what he wants. Plus killing is more fun than he ever expected.
Readers will be swept along with this narrative. While it is not as tightly plotted as some books, it has a rapid pace that is intriguing. The story is told through the narratives of various characters; Michael, the man who runs the studio, Michael's wife, the blackmailer, the serial killer, Michael's wife and the detective. There is not really a mystery as it is known all along who does each murder but there is a need to continue reading to see how everything turns out. This book is recommended for thriller readers
Michael Sennet is Hollywood's leading man. He is the star of whatever movie he is in, his face instantly recognizable. He is recognized wherever he goes and everyone loves him. But Michael isn't happy. He wants something more. His marriage is stale and he wants to direct but is pigeonholed into the acting role. When he strays from his marriage in a moment of pique, he is photographed and then blackmailed.
Michael can't have that. He is the king not some pitiable victim. He kills his blackmailer and mimics the Vanity Plate Killer. He gets away with that but then there's the neighbor who saw something, the real serial killer who isn't happy about someone stealing his fame, those who keep Michael from doing what he wants. Plus killing is more fun than he ever expected.
Readers will be swept along with this narrative. While it is not as tightly plotted as some books, it has a rapid pace that is intriguing. The story is told through the narratives of various characters; Michael, the man who runs the studio, Michael's wife, the blackmailer, the serial killer, Michael's wife and the detective. There is not really a mystery as it is known all along who does each murder but there is a need to continue reading to see how everything turns out. This book is recommended for thriller readers
September 4, 2011
Article first published as Book Review:North Of Sunset by Henry Baum on Blogcritics.
Hollywood is the place where dreams are made and occasionally nightmares find their way into the glitter and glamor of the stars.
In North Of Sunset by Harry Baum, we get a fictional glimpse into this world through the eyes of Michael Sennet and his beautiful actress wife Cheryl Leigh. Michael has become a big star, known throughout Hollywood; his face is a household phenomenon. Michael feels he has reached the pinnacle and is ready for the next step which he perceives as producing movies. The producer he works with, Martin Goldfarb is concerned that he is not ready for the big leagues on production and tries to keep his sights low. Michael is upset and having none of it.
At the same time in the city, there are a slew of murders happening. The only thing each victim has in common is their vanity license plates. Because at each crime scene the plate is taken, the serial killer has been coined by the name of the Vanity Plate Killer. Enter Curt Knudsen. He follows a group that talks about the ills of the world and his best friend is the leader. But he has tired of the continued rhetoric and has chosen to do something about those perceived ills. The murders make him feel powerful and he trolls the streets looking for those whose lives he feels makes others suffer. He has his own thought process, and determines the next victim based off his feelings.
Something is pulling these two bigger than life personalities inexorably together; the draw begins with just a bit madness for Michael, and a strange hint of pride from the killer. Michael too has vanity plates that came with his car which he received after one of his first gigs. As fate slowly brings these two together, bodies begin to pile up. Suddenly the murders change as well, is there now a copycat killer? Can California’s finest find this killer before he strikes again?
Henry Baum has written a view of Hollywood from the inside. His characters are much like you would expect both with their flaws and their grandeur. Boredom between work breeds contempt and trouble, and Michael finds himself up to his neck in both. The excitement of being well known comes with the downside of everyone knowing or wanting to know your most personal secrets. As with the real deal, we meet the Paparazzi, and are introduced to the Homicide Detective in charge of the case.
As each of the characters is introduced Baum creates a catalyst that twists them all together creating a situation where Michael feels he has no way to go but down. But even in this twisted scenario he feels a sort of power, even in his shame. The Hollywood Baum creates is very like what we expect, there is the glamor, but there is also the dark undertow waiting for the unwary.
If you enjoy suspense and murder mysteries you will enjoy this work. The world of the stars is so different and yet somewhat like that of our own, and it is interesting to get such a vivacious and fresh description. Baum has found a way to bring his characters to a maddening low, and then executed an ending that pulls them out of the abyss. It is one I did not see coming.
This book was received as a free copy from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
Hollywood is the place where dreams are made and occasionally nightmares find their way into the glitter and glamor of the stars.
In North Of Sunset by Harry Baum, we get a fictional glimpse into this world through the eyes of Michael Sennet and his beautiful actress wife Cheryl Leigh. Michael has become a big star, known throughout Hollywood; his face is a household phenomenon. Michael feels he has reached the pinnacle and is ready for the next step which he perceives as producing movies. The producer he works with, Martin Goldfarb is concerned that he is not ready for the big leagues on production and tries to keep his sights low. Michael is upset and having none of it.
At the same time in the city, there are a slew of murders happening. The only thing each victim has in common is their vanity license plates. Because at each crime scene the plate is taken, the serial killer has been coined by the name of the Vanity Plate Killer. Enter Curt Knudsen. He follows a group that talks about the ills of the world and his best friend is the leader. But he has tired of the continued rhetoric and has chosen to do something about those perceived ills. The murders make him feel powerful and he trolls the streets looking for those whose lives he feels makes others suffer. He has his own thought process, and determines the next victim based off his feelings.
Something is pulling these two bigger than life personalities inexorably together; the draw begins with just a bit madness for Michael, and a strange hint of pride from the killer. Michael too has vanity plates that came with his car which he received after one of his first gigs. As fate slowly brings these two together, bodies begin to pile up. Suddenly the murders change as well, is there now a copycat killer? Can California’s finest find this killer before he strikes again?
Henry Baum has written a view of Hollywood from the inside. His characters are much like you would expect both with their flaws and their grandeur. Boredom between work breeds contempt and trouble, and Michael finds himself up to his neck in both. The excitement of being well known comes with the downside of everyone knowing or wanting to know your most personal secrets. As with the real deal, we meet the Paparazzi, and are introduced to the Homicide Detective in charge of the case.
As each of the characters is introduced Baum creates a catalyst that twists them all together creating a situation where Michael feels he has no way to go but down. But even in this twisted scenario he feels a sort of power, even in his shame. The Hollywood Baum creates is very like what we expect, there is the glamor, but there is also the dark undertow waiting for the unwary.
If you enjoy suspense and murder mysteries you will enjoy this work. The world of the stars is so different and yet somewhat like that of our own, and it is interesting to get such a vivacious and fresh description. Baum has found a way to bring his characters to a maddening low, and then executed an ending that pulls them out of the abyss. It is one I did not see coming.
This book was received as a free copy from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
October 6, 2011
Review originally published on my blog: http://killie-booktalk.blogspot.com/
North of Sunset is a rather enjoyable thriller set in the rather self-obsessed celebrity world of Hollywood. It mainly focuses on two characters, the first is gifted movie star Michael Sennet who is world famous, has a gorgeous wife and lives a life where pretty everything revolves around him. However, he has become bored and is already looking for the next big thing to take him to a new level of fame and experience. Then there is Curt Knudsen, a follower of a group that talks about the perceived ills of the world, but secretly he is a serial killer that the media have named the Vanity Plate Killer. He randomly targets and kills people based on their vanity plates and his personal feelings on the person. The story follows these two characters and the various people they interact with over a couple of weeks in which various actions lead these two people from very different worlds towards each other.
The story is engrossing, with scandal, sex, murder and deceit visible throughout. However, it is more than just a exciting thriller, the author also takes a very satirical look at the obsession with celebrity culture and the dark underbelly of Hollywood. The prime example of this is that even though there is a serial killer on the loose, everyone in the novel seems to be thinking about how great a movie it would possibly make rather than about the loss of lives or the possible risk to their own.
At first I wasn’t that sure about the characters, I didn’t really like them that much due to the vain and arrogant attitudes constantly on display. However, I can actually believe that these people would really act like that and I am sure that many other readers could easily imagine the people of Hollywood acting in this manner. In addition they are well written and due to the nature of the writing, you really feel like you get into their heads and understand what they are doing and why.
One warning I do have to make is that Henry Baum has included a fair amount of strong profanity throughout the novel. Whilst I felt the characters and their attitudes fitted this language, I know that some readers may find this to be rather unappealing.
To be honest, the only thing that I wasn’t fond about in the novel was the ending. Whilst I will admit I was surprised by the route the story took, I felt that it was all a little bit too clean and contrived for my liking. Funnily enough, the ending actually reminded me of something you may see in a movie but perhaps that was actually the point.
In summary, North of Sunset is an exciting thriller told in a fast pace with an entertaining mix of sex, scandal and deceit that would actually probably make North of Sunset a decent movie. However, this book is more than this, with the satirical look at Hollywood and the excellent narrative enhancing the novel and making it a great page-turner.
North of Sunset is a rather enjoyable thriller set in the rather self-obsessed celebrity world of Hollywood. It mainly focuses on two characters, the first is gifted movie star Michael Sennet who is world famous, has a gorgeous wife and lives a life where pretty everything revolves around him. However, he has become bored and is already looking for the next big thing to take him to a new level of fame and experience. Then there is Curt Knudsen, a follower of a group that talks about the perceived ills of the world, but secretly he is a serial killer that the media have named the Vanity Plate Killer. He randomly targets and kills people based on their vanity plates and his personal feelings on the person. The story follows these two characters and the various people they interact with over a couple of weeks in which various actions lead these two people from very different worlds towards each other.
The story is engrossing, with scandal, sex, murder and deceit visible throughout. However, it is more than just a exciting thriller, the author also takes a very satirical look at the obsession with celebrity culture and the dark underbelly of Hollywood. The prime example of this is that even though there is a serial killer on the loose, everyone in the novel seems to be thinking about how great a movie it would possibly make rather than about the loss of lives or the possible risk to their own.
At first I wasn’t that sure about the characters, I didn’t really like them that much due to the vain and arrogant attitudes constantly on display. However, I can actually believe that these people would really act like that and I am sure that many other readers could easily imagine the people of Hollywood acting in this manner. In addition they are well written and due to the nature of the writing, you really feel like you get into their heads and understand what they are doing and why.
One warning I do have to make is that Henry Baum has included a fair amount of strong profanity throughout the novel. Whilst I felt the characters and their attitudes fitted this language, I know that some readers may find this to be rather unappealing.
To be honest, the only thing that I wasn’t fond about in the novel was the ending. Whilst I will admit I was surprised by the route the story took, I felt that it was all a little bit too clean and contrived for my liking. Funnily enough, the ending actually reminded me of something you may see in a movie but perhaps that was actually the point.
In summary, North of Sunset is an exciting thriller told in a fast pace with an entertaining mix of sex, scandal and deceit that would actually probably make North of Sunset a decent movie. However, this book is more than this, with the satirical look at Hollywood and the excellent narrative enhancing the novel and making it a great page-turner.
September 1, 2007
This book was sent to me by the author Henry Baum, to read and review...those of you looking for a fun summer read..here it is. North of Sunset has everything you need: romance, scandal, murder, mystery, contempt, happiness, fame and fortune. All these things combined into one story..the story of Michael Sennet, the man who has it all.
Michael is famous in Hollywood..he's been in all the big movies and can't go anywhere without being recognized. He has a beautiful wife, a gorgeous home, a successful career and the devotion of most of the country, yet he's restless. When you've had, done and seen everything, where do you go from there? Add to the plot a serial killer; someone who kills victims with vanity plates for semi religious reasons and several other characters who deepen the plot.
The story is well told. It moves quickly and keeps your interest. The writing is simplistic and honest, no overly wordy mumbo jumbo. A good story all in all.
Michael is famous in Hollywood..he's been in all the big movies and can't go anywhere without being recognized. He has a beautiful wife, a gorgeous home, a successful career and the devotion of most of the country, yet he's restless. When you've had, done and seen everything, where do you go from there? Add to the plot a serial killer; someone who kills victims with vanity plates for semi religious reasons and several other characters who deepen the plot.
The story is well told. It moves quickly and keeps your interest. The writing is simplistic and honest, no overly wordy mumbo jumbo. A good story all in all.
February 27, 2012
This was a very good mystery book that kept me on my toes till the last page. The only thing that might put people off the book was the amount of vulgar language used throughout. To me this was not a problem but I can see it being a problem for other readers.
All the characters were well-developed and everybody has a certain role to play within the novel. The scene was set with descriptions that made you feel like you were right in the middle of it. The style of writing is simple and honest, this I feel help make the novel great.
This is a wonderful novel by an independent author who deserves all the recognition that should come for such a brillant novel. I would highly recommend it.
A copy of this book was received for free and all opinions expressed are my own through reading it.
This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com
All the characters were well-developed and everybody has a certain role to play within the novel. The scene was set with descriptions that made you feel like you were right in the middle of it. The style of writing is simple and honest, this I feel help make the novel great.
This is a wonderful novel by an independent author who deserves all the recognition that should come for such a brillant novel. I would highly recommend it.
A copy of this book was received for free and all opinions expressed are my own through reading it.
This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com
December 9, 2014
I like how the author broke one of those so-called 'rules' of writing/publishing. The way point of view was used was interesting. The line between first person and over the shoulder was blurred throughout with good effect. This might be frowned upon by so-called writing style councils but it was original and added to the emotions of the characters.
As for the swearing: It's a book about innocent people being stabbed in the throat or shot in the head for no reason other than a serial killer's philosophy and self preservation. Unless it pulls you out of the story, I don't see the problem. If you can handle a character murdering someone then you can handle them saying 'fuck' once in a while.
As for the swearing: It's a book about innocent people being stabbed in the throat or shot in the head for no reason other than a serial killer's philosophy and self preservation. Unless it pulls you out of the story, I don't see the problem. If you can handle a character murdering someone then you can handle them saying 'fuck' once in a while.
June 4, 2010
A wonderful work from an independent author. Well written, keeps you reading with a great style and polished voice.
April 28, 2021
I just reread this.
This first 200 pages were great, then........
This first 200 pages were great, then........
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews