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Dog Beach: A Novel by John Fusco
Acclaimed screenwriter and creator of the Netflix original series Marco Polo , John Fusco’s “vivid, action-packed tale of Asian gangsters and Hollywood moviemaking” ( Publishers Weekly ) follows the exploits of Louie Mo, once Hong Kong’s greatest stuntman turned Los Angeles knee-breaker, as his latest target unexpectedly casts him in the role of a lifetime.Leaving behind a successful career as a stunt double in Hong Kong to escape entanglements with the Chinese mafia, Louie Mo now makes his living in Los Angeles as a hired knee-breaker, putting fear into the hearts of people reneging on payments to investors.Troy, an aspiring director with NYU credentials and encyclopedic movie knowledge, is beginning to realize that he’s made a deal with the devil by agreeing to direct a film for producer Avi Ghazaryan. When Avi’s sketchy investors hire Louie to scare Troy into finishing their movie, Troy’s reverence for film and keen eye save him from a beating when he recognizes Louie Mo as the stunt man extraordinaire he once was and begs Louie to take the lead role in the movie based on Troy’s own pet screenplay.For Louie Mo, this chance at redemption might be his last. As his past catches up with him and his body becomes ever more broken down, he teams up with Troy in a race against the clock—and the bad guys—to pull off an impossible film of epic proportions.Dog Beach is a fast-paced, smart, and hilarious thrill ride. Equal parts dark satire and high-velocity action novel, this “poisonously funny Hollywood noir nightmare” (Warren Ellis, author of Red and Gun Machine ) is perfect for fans of Elmore Leonard and Don Winslow.
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First published February 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 12, 2020
Dog Beach
Filmmaker John Fusco has gifted us a short nasty fun crime novel that ties together everything Fusco loves from filmmaking to Kung fu to stuntmen. It is the story of the legendary Louie Mo, one of Hong Kong's great stuntmen, now having fled Hong Kong on the wrong side of the triads, making a living as a two-bit enforcer with his sidekick Dutch driving him across the LA Basin. Dutch, it turns out, is a former stuntwoman driver forced out of the industry by one mistake. It is also the story of young film buff Troy who managed to come out of film school and convince an investor (Avi) that he's the next big thing. Ensconced in a Malibu beach house with his crew of "dogs," Troy is way behind schedule. Avi's investors are untraditional and send an enforcer to knock some scare into Troy. Of course, these two just have to meet and perhaps a star is reborn. A fun rollicking fast-paced Kung fu influenced crime adventure.
Filmmaker John Fusco has gifted us a short nasty fun crime novel that ties together everything Fusco loves from filmmaking to Kung fu to stuntmen. It is the story of the legendary Louie Mo, one of Hong Kong's great stuntmen, now having fled Hong Kong on the wrong side of the triads, making a living as a two-bit enforcer with his sidekick Dutch driving him across the LA Basin. Dutch, it turns out, is a former stuntwoman driver forced out of the industry by one mistake. It is also the story of young film buff Troy who managed to come out of film school and convince an investor (Avi) that he's the next big thing. Ensconced in a Malibu beach house with his crew of "dogs," Troy is way behind schedule. Avi's investors are untraditional and send an enforcer to knock some scare into Troy. Of course, these two just have to meet and perhaps a star is reborn. A fun rollicking fast-paced Kung fu influenced crime adventure.
September 4, 2014
Review copy
The Malibu locals call Las Flores, "Dog Beach." Troy, a budding film-maker, and his housemates call their two-story beach crib the Dog House, and call themselves the Dogs of Entropy.
Louie Mo, is a former Hong Kong stuntman extraordinaire, who is now getting by as a hired knee-breaker in LA, putting fear into the hearts of people reneging on payments to investors.
When Louie Mo shows up at the Dog House to "encourage" Troy to pay his investors, Troy recognizes Louie and winds up convincing him to star in his next project.
Dog Beach is a high-octane, quick read, that is a lot like watching a Jackie Chan film and just as much fun.
I enjoyed the way the author developed the back-stories for the principal characters, giving the reader a clear picture of what drove them to do what they did, and I also liked the way he gave us just enough of a look into the movie-making process without getting too bogged down in the details.
The action was fast-paced, start-to-finish, as Louie Mo had to remain one step ahead of the Chinese mob, a monster ex-NFL lineman, and two ex wives. While at the same time Troy is trying to deal with his producer and some angry Guatemalan investors. Plus, I loved the twist in the book's climatic chase scene.
Overall, a fun read and John Fusco is an author I'd like to read again sometime.
Dog Beach is being published on September 9, 2014 by Simon & Schuster's Toouchstone division and will be available in bookstores and from many online retailers.
Recommended.
The Malibu locals call Las Flores, "Dog Beach." Troy, a budding film-maker, and his housemates call their two-story beach crib the Dog House, and call themselves the Dogs of Entropy.
Louie Mo, is a former Hong Kong stuntman extraordinaire, who is now getting by as a hired knee-breaker in LA, putting fear into the hearts of people reneging on payments to investors.
When Louie Mo shows up at the Dog House to "encourage" Troy to pay his investors, Troy recognizes Louie and winds up convincing him to star in his next project.
Dog Beach is a high-octane, quick read, that is a lot like watching a Jackie Chan film and just as much fun.
I enjoyed the way the author developed the back-stories for the principal characters, giving the reader a clear picture of what drove them to do what they did, and I also liked the way he gave us just enough of a look into the movie-making process without getting too bogged down in the details.
The action was fast-paced, start-to-finish, as Louie Mo had to remain one step ahead of the Chinese mob, a monster ex-NFL lineman, and two ex wives. While at the same time Troy is trying to deal with his producer and some angry Guatemalan investors. Plus, I loved the twist in the book's climatic chase scene.
Overall, a fun read and John Fusco is an author I'd like to read again sometime.
Dog Beach is being published on September 9, 2014 by Simon & Schuster's Toouchstone division and will be available in bookstores and from many online retailers.
Recommended.
July 23, 2020
Best described as "Don Winslow-lite" . A fun read that is worth a few hours of your reading time.
May 24, 2015
Better Than Expected
Never heard of John Fusco but this book showed up as a 1.99 pencil and the rest is history. Story had a Leonard feel to it, fast paced, Hollywood crime with a Kung fu stuntman twist. Entertaining, well written. I will look for another book from Fusco.
Never heard of John Fusco but this book showed up as a 1.99 pencil and the rest is history. Story had a Leonard feel to it, fast paced, Hollywood crime with a Kung fu stuntman twist. Entertaining, well written. I will look for another book from Fusco.
June 2, 2014
Screenwriter John Fusco (Thunderheart, Young Guns, Hidalgo) delivers a fast paced, entertaining novel about a Hong Kong stuntman down on his luck in LA who unexpectedly finds himself with a feature movie. Stuntman Louie Mo's past problems with the Chinese mafia catch up with him just as his director's issues with shady financing threaten not just their movie but their lives. Fusco brings enough inside knowledge of the movie business with him to make for a convincing story that reads a bit like Get Shorty by way of Don Winslow's Savages. Fusco has written the screenplay for Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon II, currently in pre-production.
January 11, 2018
I don't care which comes first, the screen adaptation or part 2 of the novel but I anxiously await both! As is with all of narratore John Fusco's tales, whether on page or screen, Dog Beach is rife with action, comedy, character development, and a precision pacing that keeps the audience rapt. Want an inside look at the seedy underbelly of Hollywood's hit or miss film making machine? This novel's for you! Want a crash course in classic martial arts films and styles? This novel's for you! Want to feel the pain of an aging stuntman who's been on the run from himself and others for many hard years? This novel's for you! Want to experience the youthful indiscretions of fresh faces trying to make their mark in one hell of a hard business? This novel's for you! Lots of action, lots of pain, lots of heart! I want more!
August 20, 2017
Exciting trip through the world of film making! Louie Mo and Dutch memorable characters.
January 20, 2019
Surprise!
A very surprising book from a movie screenwriter, who knows more than a little about martial arts and movie making.
A very surprising book from a movie screenwriter, who knows more than a little about martial arts and movie making.
November 14, 2019
New Author for me. Liked this book. Not sure if I will read more from this Author. I would have picked 2 1/2 stars if I could have.
March 31, 2020
2.5 Stars. Sophmoric book but amusing on B movies and 2 bit gangsters. Certainly amusing beach read. Nothing more than that.
November 18, 2014
Troy Raskin is a young filmmaker who, along with a small group of also-in-the-business friends, has been working on a low-budget zombie flick that is somehow supposed to end up looking like a million-dollar movie. It’s not a project that excites him but if he doesn’t see it through he’ll be on the hook for a lot of money – money that he doesn’t have.
His benefactor, Avi Ghazaryan, has given Troy and his friends rent-free use of a house and a film budget of $180,000, which is actually just a fraction of the millions he took in. Avi’s plan was to throw a small amount at the movie, pocket the rest, and then pay his creditors back after the release with no one the wiser.
His creditors, however, are getting anxious. They don’t like to be kept waiting, especially when money is on the line. It’s not healthy to play financial peek-a-boo with a gang of Mexican thugs.
Avi decides to put some pressure on Troy by issuing an ultimatum: finish the film in four weeks or pay back the investment and the house rent. For good measure he hires some muscle to put a scare into Troy.
The Muscle’s name is Louie Mo, a former Hong Kong stuntman (one of the best) who is on the run and trying to distance himself from some trouble with Triads (the Chinese Mafia).
Troy is a major film buff and loves old action movies, so when Mo shows up Troy recognizes him. Seeing Mo as an unsung hero, Troy disregards the threat and instead asks Mo to read a script he’s been working on for an old-school action movie, and even offers Mo the starring role.
Eventually Mo accepts and everyone gets to work on the new film. The deadline is approaching for the zombie flick but Troy no longer cares; he knows his movie will be a success.
From this point on, all paths lead to an inevitable showdown. Sparks fly when the Triads, hot on Mo’s trail, encounter Avi’s Mexican thugs, and from there the story counts down to an explosive conclusion.
John Fusco is a screenwriter whose credits include the Young Guns movies, Thunderheart, and Hildago. With “Dog Beach,” Fusco has written an exciting and breathless novel with an insider’s touch that could itself serve double duty as a pitch for a non-stop action movie. Someone send a copy of this to Jackie Chan.
His benefactor, Avi Ghazaryan, has given Troy and his friends rent-free use of a house and a film budget of $180,000, which is actually just a fraction of the millions he took in. Avi’s plan was to throw a small amount at the movie, pocket the rest, and then pay his creditors back after the release with no one the wiser.
His creditors, however, are getting anxious. They don’t like to be kept waiting, especially when money is on the line. It’s not healthy to play financial peek-a-boo with a gang of Mexican thugs.
Avi decides to put some pressure on Troy by issuing an ultimatum: finish the film in four weeks or pay back the investment and the house rent. For good measure he hires some muscle to put a scare into Troy.
The Muscle’s name is Louie Mo, a former Hong Kong stuntman (one of the best) who is on the run and trying to distance himself from some trouble with Triads (the Chinese Mafia).
Troy is a major film buff and loves old action movies, so when Mo shows up Troy recognizes him. Seeing Mo as an unsung hero, Troy disregards the threat and instead asks Mo to read a script he’s been working on for an old-school action movie, and even offers Mo the starring role.
Eventually Mo accepts and everyone gets to work on the new film. The deadline is approaching for the zombie flick but Troy no longer cares; he knows his movie will be a success.
From this point on, all paths lead to an inevitable showdown. Sparks fly when the Triads, hot on Mo’s trail, encounter Avi’s Mexican thugs, and from there the story counts down to an explosive conclusion.
John Fusco is a screenwriter whose credits include the Young Guns movies, Thunderheart, and Hildago. With “Dog Beach,” Fusco has written an exciting and breathless novel with an insider’s touch that could itself serve double duty as a pitch for a non-stop action movie. Someone send a copy of this to Jackie Chan.
July 10, 2014
“Dog Beach” by John Fusco, published by Touchstone Books.
Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date – September 09, 2014
Troy is making a movie but has got himself in way over his head. His backers have sunk a lot of money into the movie and the movie is at best horrible. He is now being pressured by the investors to complete the movie so that they may start gaining the dividends from their investment. Troy knows this is not going to happen.
Troy seeks redemption in filming his own screenplay, and just by luck Louie Mo comes into his life. Louie Mo is a stuntman who worked in Hong Kong and is considered the best stuntman in the business. Louis had to leave Hong Kong due to the involvement of the Chinese Mafia who were deeply involved in the movie industry. Louie is also hampered by the many injuries he suffered doing his stunts. He is now employed in the States putting pressure (knee breaking) to collect debts. He has also formed a relationship with “Dutch” a young girl who also performed stunts until she was involved in a tragedy. She now provides Louie with transportation as her forte is stunt driving.
Louie and Troy team up to produce a worthwhile movie that will include Louie doing the best stunt ever filmed. They must race against time as the investors are now taking lethal action against them.
A very fast and easy read but containing very little content that could be considered mystery or thriller. The book may appeal to those in the film making industry but would probably be considered mediocre for the mainstream reader.
Category – Mystery/Thriller Publication Date – September 09, 2014
Troy is making a movie but has got himself in way over his head. His backers have sunk a lot of money into the movie and the movie is at best horrible. He is now being pressured by the investors to complete the movie so that they may start gaining the dividends from their investment. Troy knows this is not going to happen.
Troy seeks redemption in filming his own screenplay, and just by luck Louie Mo comes into his life. Louie Mo is a stuntman who worked in Hong Kong and is considered the best stuntman in the business. Louis had to leave Hong Kong due to the involvement of the Chinese Mafia who were deeply involved in the movie industry. Louie is also hampered by the many injuries he suffered doing his stunts. He is now employed in the States putting pressure (knee breaking) to collect debts. He has also formed a relationship with “Dutch” a young girl who also performed stunts until she was involved in a tragedy. She now provides Louie with transportation as her forte is stunt driving.
Louie and Troy team up to produce a worthwhile movie that will include Louie doing the best stunt ever filmed. They must race against time as the investors are now taking lethal action against them.
A very fast and easy read but containing very little content that could be considered mystery or thriller. The book may appeal to those in the film making industry but would probably be considered mediocre for the mainstream reader.
September 14, 2014
Dog Beach by John Fusco
This short (224 pages), sharp, snappy novel moves at the speed of light
and with the punch of Kung fu. In fact, this is the center of the story: a
worn out, lame Chinese stuntman crosses paths with a young movie director
that knows every movie the stuntman ever made. One last movie, the
director offers, where the stuntman plays himself and does his own stunts.
It almost works out, until Hong Kong Triad, gangsters of Central America
and a steroid crazed retired football player all start hunting them down
and one last crazy stunt is the make-it or break-it scene.
A fast, fun action read. Perfect to take on a plane or other long waiting
situation.
BARBARA
Bill adds his review: Review of Dog beach by John Fusco
The story was well written with several interesting levels of mystery interwoven. It was also an easy read that did not require the reader to suspend belief or understand technical aspects of the story. The multi-layered story line while appearing to be unrelated, came together at different times to be self resolving but leaving the final resolution of the story until the very end. Since the mail action point was set up in the very beginning the reader did not know the final outcome until the big finish. The story ties up most of the loose ends nicely in the epilog.
This was a fun read for someone not looking to have to think too hard but wanting a mystery to solve and it left the impression that you truly did not know the final outcome of the main character and hoping that it was better than indicated.
This short (224 pages), sharp, snappy novel moves at the speed of light
and with the punch of Kung fu. In fact, this is the center of the story: a
worn out, lame Chinese stuntman crosses paths with a young movie director
that knows every movie the stuntman ever made. One last movie, the
director offers, where the stuntman plays himself and does his own stunts.
It almost works out, until Hong Kong Triad, gangsters of Central America
and a steroid crazed retired football player all start hunting them down
and one last crazy stunt is the make-it or break-it scene.
A fast, fun action read. Perfect to take on a plane or other long waiting
situation.
BARBARA
Bill adds his review: Review of Dog beach by John Fusco
The story was well written with several interesting levels of mystery interwoven. It was also an easy read that did not require the reader to suspend belief or understand technical aspects of the story. The multi-layered story line while appearing to be unrelated, came together at different times to be self resolving but leaving the final resolution of the story until the very end. Since the mail action point was set up in the very beginning the reader did not know the final outcome until the big finish. The story ties up most of the loose ends nicely in the epilog.
This was a fun read for someone not looking to have to think too hard but wanting a mystery to solve and it left the impression that you truly did not know the final outcome of the main character and hoping that it was better than indicated.
September 6, 2014
This is a fun fast page turner book to read for mystery and movie fans.
Dog beach has characters that move the action in chaotic directions until they come together and climax into a grand finale.
There is poor Louie Mo whose English makes him a sympathetic character despite his live hood of bashing people who don’t live up to their commitments. Mo had to give up a successful career as a stunt double in Hong Kong and escape to America after encountering problems with the Chinese mafia.
Dutch his side kick is the real tough one because she understands the real world that she and Mo have been thrown into after leaving the world of movie making, where you can stop the cameras and redo an event. These two are on a path that will lead them to Troy Raskin and his friends who are in the midst of filming the worst movie of the century. While living an outer life of glamour on Dog Beach Malibu, they are hiding an inner turmoil of fear from their unlikable backer and producer Avi Ghazaryan.
Fusco’s writing achieves the tempo and rhythm of Get Shorty but with more in depth action scenes, especially the stunt scenes. They are written with exciting punches and grit.
Dog Beach is a fast and escapist read, perfect for a long airplane trip or a day at the beach.
Dog beach has characters that move the action in chaotic directions until they come together and climax into a grand finale.
There is poor Louie Mo whose English makes him a sympathetic character despite his live hood of bashing people who don’t live up to their commitments. Mo had to give up a successful career as a stunt double in Hong Kong and escape to America after encountering problems with the Chinese mafia.
Dutch his side kick is the real tough one because she understands the real world that she and Mo have been thrown into after leaving the world of movie making, where you can stop the cameras and redo an event. These two are on a path that will lead them to Troy Raskin and his friends who are in the midst of filming the worst movie of the century. While living an outer life of glamour on Dog Beach Malibu, they are hiding an inner turmoil of fear from their unlikable backer and producer Avi Ghazaryan.
Fusco’s writing achieves the tempo and rhythm of Get Shorty but with more in depth action scenes, especially the stunt scenes. They are written with exciting punches and grit.
Dog Beach is a fast and escapist read, perfect for a long airplane trip or a day at the beach.
June 24, 2015
Excellent! I'll read this one again.
It's basically a book about a stunt man who has grown old and rickety and how he (in a comical, backward sort of way) gets involved in one last movie one last scene, one last jump...But the book is so much more than that. There's Chinese mafia, American thugs, and car chases written in a surprising compelling way by a female stunt driver, a woman he's come to feel for as a daughter. And the ending was perfect; it kept with the tone of the book without pulling any punches.
I loved the characters. Good guys and bad guys were equally well drawn, and enough back story for us to understand motivation, but at no time did this weigh anything down. Every scene moved the plot forward, even the snotty producer's daughter was important to the plot.
Great pacing -- there was enough down time for you to settle into the character development, then BAM it's off and running again.
I know he has another novel out, and I'll be reading that one, too.
It's basically a book about a stunt man who has grown old and rickety and how he (in a comical, backward sort of way) gets involved in one last movie one last scene, one last jump...But the book is so much more than that. There's Chinese mafia, American thugs, and car chases written in a surprising compelling way by a female stunt driver, a woman he's come to feel for as a daughter. And the ending was perfect; it kept with the tone of the book without pulling any punches.
I loved the characters. Good guys and bad guys were equally well drawn, and enough back story for us to understand motivation, but at no time did this weigh anything down. Every scene moved the plot forward, even the snotty producer's daughter was important to the plot.
Great pacing -- there was enough down time for you to settle into the character development, then BAM it's off and running again.
I know he has another novel out, and I'll be reading that one, too.
March 3, 2015
Picked this up at the library thinking the puppeteer responsible for Alf had written a book (Ed. note: that is PAUL Fusco) and checked it out based solely on one of the blurbs that described it as part-Elmore Leonard, pary-Guy Rictchie and part-John Woo (can't you just see them pitching the big screen adaptation this way?) SUPER glad I picked it up. Fusco demonstrates the Leonard-like ability to take absurd, outlandish characters and put words in their mouths that not only make them interesting but also make them believable. The plot moves along nicely and with Hollywood-insider winks to the audience (one example I recall is a character saying that non-linear plots are "so early 2000s" or something to that effect, in a book that frames itself non-linearly with its final scene at the beginning.) Really enjoyed it and hope that Mr. Fusco writes more books like this.
June 25, 2015
Fast paced and fun, Fusco makes a decent leap from screenwriting to the novel with Dog Beach. Louie Mo both a trivial and complex character. With each chapter we get a greater sense of who he is and how his past helped shape the broken yet proud man that populates this novel; along with a young Tarrantino-esque auteur Troy who tries to give give this man back some of his glory.
Louie Mo, however has done some bad things, and has associated with some bad people. So has Troy in an effort to get funding for his film. The tension is ever ratcheted up in break neck time as all the players collide in an unforgettable climax.
A highly entertainable read by an author I would not hesitate to read again.
Louie Mo, however has done some bad things, and has associated with some bad people. So has Troy in an effort to get funding for his film. The tension is ever ratcheted up in break neck time as all the players collide in an unforgettable climax.
A highly entertainable read by an author I would not hesitate to read again.
July 16, 2015
Very fast-paced and entertaining, with characters on the dark edge of society - it reminded me very much of Elmore Leonard. I found it enjoyable despite not liking any of the characters and really finding the lifestyle, and the whole movie business, repulsive.
The only issue I had was the ending, perhaps epilogue (I will not elaborate so as not to spoil anything), which was just a touch too Hollywood itself (but then, maybe that was the point).
I would recommend as a good beach read.
The only issue I had was the ending, perhaps epilogue (I will not elaborate so as not to spoil anything), which was just a touch too Hollywood itself (but then, maybe that was the point).
I would recommend as a good beach read.
September 27, 2014
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a honest review....
Dog Beach was a great read. Very fast paced and exciting. I loved how he explained the backgrounds of the characters. I can really see this as a great Jackie Chan movie!! I will definitely be looking for more of John Fusco's work!!
Dog Beach was a great read. Very fast paced and exciting. I loved how he explained the backgrounds of the characters. I can really see this as a great Jackie Chan movie!! I will definitely be looking for more of John Fusco's work!!
October 31, 2014
This was a fun fast paced action read -- you definitely get the feeling the author has roots in screenwriting -- it just lacked some depth. The author tries rounding out the main characters, but it just felt a little forced and contrived.
Disclaimer: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
Disclaimer: I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
September 21, 2014
Story of an aging Hong Kong stuntman reminds me of Jackie Chan, who could play the part if this were a film. This thriller set in Malibu is Written by a young script writer who has written the sequel to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.
May 13, 2015
Entertaining even tho I'm not much on Hollywood. Chinese stunt man Louie Mo & stunt driver Dutch help make a young film writers career. Much more fun the better you get to know all the Dog House crew.
September 13, 2014
This was excellent
interview is here
http://sbutki.newsvine.com/_news/2014...
interview is here
http://sbutki.newsvine.com/_news/2014...
October 29, 2014
This needs to be a movie.
December 18, 2014
This book sort of has the feel of a Carl Hiassen novel minus the craziness of Florida.
Read
January 12, 2018I quit reading. Not my cup of tea. Probably fun for someone else, tho. He has a good rep.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews