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L.A. Times
Vinnie Callabrese toils in the mean world of a Mafia hood, violently enforcing his loan shark boss’s debt collections, but he lives in the world of the movies, one where he can tie a bow tie like Cary Grant and speak with the voice of Tyrone Power.
Vinnie is smart, too, and he finds a way to turn his dream world into reality. Arriving on the West Coast with a new identity and some ill gotten gains, Vinnie discovers that his sociopathic nature is just the ticket for handling the intrigues of tinseltown. He employs his old techniques of deceit, coercion, sexual conquest – even murder – to carve out a place at the top of the film industry.
But Vinnie’s old neighborhood friends have excellent memories and a long reach, and soon his fast track career is facing derailment – or even worse, a new driver at the controls.
Vinnie is smart, too, and he finds a way to turn his dream world into reality. Arriving on the West Coast with a new identity and some ill gotten gains, Vinnie discovers that his sociopathic nature is just the ticket for handling the intrigues of tinseltown. He employs his old techniques of deceit, coercion, sexual conquest – even murder – to carve out a place at the top of the film industry.
But Vinnie’s old neighborhood friends have excellent memories and a long reach, and soon his fast track career is facing derailment – or even worse, a new driver at the controls.
376 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1993
211 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
408 books3,227 followersStuart Woods was an American novelist best known for Chiefs and his long-running Stone Barrington series. A Georgia native, he initially pursued a career in advertising before relocating to England and Ireland, where he developed a passion for sailing. His love for the sport led him to write his first published work, Blue Water, Green Skipper, about his experiences in a transatlantic yacht race.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.
His debut novel, Chiefs, was inspired by a family story about his grandfather, a police chief. The book, a gripping crime saga spanning several decades, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and was later adapted into a television miniseries. It launched Woods' career as a novelist, leading to a prolific output of thrillers.
Woods' most famous creation, Stone Barrington, is a former NYPD detective turned high-profile lawyer who navigates elite circles while solving crimes. The series became a bestseller and remained a staple of his career, often featuring crossover characters from his other books, such as CIA operative Holly Barker and defense lawyer Ed Eagle.
Beyond writing, Woods was an experienced pilot and yachtsman. He maintained homes in Florida, Maine, and New Mexico, where he lived with his wife and their Labrador, Fred. His literary career spanned decades, with dozens of bestsellers to his name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 22, 2012
Last year I took an incredibly helpful course at UCi called Intermediate Novel Writing. The next semester's Advanced Novel Writing course was cancelled, so here I am –– still an intermediate novelist (currently at amateur status but I hope to turn pro soon.)
So, this course relied on a number of books but the main text was Techniques of the Selling Writer, authored by Dwight V. Swain, a college professor in the 1960s. There was much to like about this book but the one element I took issue with was the author's focus on a main character's morality and the idea that fiction should present the protagonist's willingness to "sacrifice self-interest to the larger cause of his own standards." [Techniques of the Selling Writer, 128].
I certainly don't require such self-sacrifice, not do I agree with all of the things Swain says about the function of an individual within society. I like the lone wolf, the anti-hero. And I like books (and movies) where the bank robber gets away with the money.
I think one of the better aspects of the late 20th century is the embrace of the anti-hero, the Jack Bauer character. Further, I don't need to like a character to want to read about him or her anymore than I need to feel like a candidate would be a fun person to share a drink with in order to elect him or her) President. Thus we have Vinnie Callabrese.
In L.A. Times, our main character is not just anti-hero, he's almost anti-human. The dark embodiment of every Hollywood climber's secret desires, Vinnie changes his name to Michael Vincent and becomes an independent producer while still at NYU. He's also a collector for the mob, a man who's already killed his abusive father and is willing to end anyone else who gets in his way.
From bagman for "The Family," to indie darling to studio exec, Michael makes all the right moves. Until he doesn't. Because changing his name, zip code and occupation doesn't alter his DNA and it's in his blood to be a sociopathic killer.
As a Hollywood striver myself, I enjoyed his journey. I don't need my protagonists (or even my friends) to be especially moral or likable so long as they are interesting.
So, this course relied on a number of books but the main text was Techniques of the Selling Writer, authored by Dwight V. Swain, a college professor in the 1960s. There was much to like about this book but the one element I took issue with was the author's focus on a main character's morality and the idea that fiction should present the protagonist's willingness to "sacrifice self-interest to the larger cause of his own standards." [Techniques of the Selling Writer, 128].
I certainly don't require such self-sacrifice, not do I agree with all of the things Swain says about the function of an individual within society. I like the lone wolf, the anti-hero. And I like books (and movies) where the bank robber gets away with the money.
I think one of the better aspects of the late 20th century is the embrace of the anti-hero, the Jack Bauer character. Further, I don't need to like a character to want to read about him or her anymore than I need to feel like a candidate would be a fun person to share a drink with in order to elect him or her) President. Thus we have Vinnie Callabrese.
In L.A. Times, our main character is not just anti-hero, he's almost anti-human. The dark embodiment of every Hollywood climber's secret desires, Vinnie changes his name to Michael Vincent and becomes an independent producer while still at NYU. He's also a collector for the mob, a man who's already killed his abusive father and is willing to end anyone else who gets in his way.
From bagman for "The Family," to indie darling to studio exec, Michael makes all the right moves. Until he doesn't. Because changing his name, zip code and occupation doesn't alter his DNA and it's in his blood to be a sociopathic killer.
As a Hollywood striver myself, I enjoyed his journey. I don't need my protagonists (or even my friends) to be especially moral or likable so long as they are interesting.
January 30, 2022
This is my first Stuart Woods book, although there are several others on my TBR list. Based upon this work, I look forward to delving in to Woods' other titles.
Michael Vincent is a New York hustler and mobster-turned-Hollywood mogul. The character takes much of his upbringing and life in "the family" to the motion picture business.
A great way to describe Michael, comes from the character Margot Gladstone:
This was an interesting book that wove in some seemingly realistic characteristics of the movers and shakers in tinseltown.
Michael Vincent is a New York hustler and mobster-turned-Hollywood mogul. The character takes much of his upbringing and life in "the family" to the motion picture business.
A great way to describe Michael, comes from the character Margot Gladstone:
She held up her hands. "Now Michael, you have nothing to fear from me, so don't start thinking about somehow getting rid of me. I've watched you operate with total admiration. I mean, I've seen some operators in this town, but you are truly something special. You have the single most important quality that a successful producer can possess in this town: you are a complete sociopath."
This was an interesting book that wove in some seemingly realistic characteristics of the movers and shakers in tinseltown.
September 21, 2015
The story about mafia-hard guy turned movie producer but with much if his problem solving tactics intact is one of the best offerings of Stuart Woods that I've read. In striking contrast to many of his other overly good and cunning protagonists, this one is a true anti-hero - to the point that he's actually quite unlikeable. Absorbing, fast-paced and with a dose of black humour.
June 15, 2018
It was only entertaining because because of Tony Roberts' excellent narration, even though his speech was far above what should have been that of the main character. The author unskillfully gave away the plot twists. This was okay since everything was an unbelievable fantasy.
April 6, 2017
This is the first book I read by Stuart Woods and he's been around a long time.
The main character is a mob thug, who also happens to have the desire of becoming a movie producer. He writes too. Eventually he makes it to the big time screens by using his mob connections for help. But even mobsters take their debts seriously among themselves, and this is something the lead guy seems to forget, and finds himself having to pay up.
The author writes with good clarity. It's a page-turner. The drama is fast-paced, and I found this interesting. You'll enjoy this book even though it's from the 90's. The story is still real enough even today.
The main character is a mob thug, who also happens to have the desire of becoming a movie producer. He writes too. Eventually he makes it to the big time screens by using his mob connections for help. But even mobsters take their debts seriously among themselves, and this is something the lead guy seems to forget, and finds himself having to pay up.
The author writes with good clarity. It's a page-turner. The drama is fast-paced, and I found this interesting. You'll enjoy this book even though it's from the 90's. The story is still real enough even today.
May 15, 2012
FAST MOVING,SHORT CHAPTERS,LARGE PRINT AND A THRILLING ENDING,KEPT MY INTEREST
March 8, 2022
A good book where the underbelly of Hollywood and the Mafia come together. Michael thinks he has it all figured out but he is wrong, oh how wrong he is. It was a quick read and got right to the point.
February 21, 2015
The story is interesting & fast-paced, but the characters don't change much. Vinnie Callabrese begins life in Little Italy in NYC and ends it in Los Angeles. He is conditioned to violence by his abusive father. Vinnie, however, has a mind for details, seeing both the big and little pictures, and for recognizing a story that can be shown on the Big Screen. He loves movies and wants to be a producer, a job which will demand his specific talents. After "accidentally" killing the loan shark for whom he works, Vinnie (now Michael Vincent) flees to California to fulfill his dream of being a movie producer. The new venue does not change him as his violence continues and even escalates. Vinnie/Michael continues to use people, steal from his friend/employer, and kill whoever oppose him. Only after his death does he see the souls of all whom he murdered dragging him to hell. Too bad he didn't figure out that his actions have consequences before he died.
September 5, 2009
Geez.
My brother-in-law told me to read this book and I feel like I've been dunked into a tub of water and then wrung dry. The story follows Vinnie "Michael" through his life in N.Y. as part of the mob and then his break into the movie business. This is not a story of a nice young man made good.
I didn't really "like' the book. However, I couldn't put it down, so that is where the 3 stars is from.
My brother-in-law told me to read this book and I feel like I've been dunked into a tub of water and then wrung dry. The story follows Vinnie "Michael" through his life in N.Y. as part of the mob and then his break into the movie business. This is not a story of a nice young man made good.
I didn't really "like' the book. However, I couldn't put it down, so that is where the 3 stars is from.
July 31, 2022
Enjoyable escapism, great twists throughout. Sad to read of Wood's death this week 😥
September 2, 2019
A 1993 thriller about NYC mobsters and the LA film industry by author Stuart Woods. This novel seemed like Woods was channeling Harold Robbins with his mix of New Yorkers transplanted to Hollywood and rampant sex. I had this novel rated higher until the end, when I felt that this over the top novel went further to the point where it was no longer enjoyable.
Vincente Michaele Callabrese works as a shake-down artist for the mob in New York City's Little Italy, but moviegoing is his passion. Early in the story, he changes his name to Michael Vincent and makes a break for L.A., where with the help of powerful studio head Leo Goldman he fufills his dream of becoming a big-time producer. Vincent's cosa nostra connections keep in touch, particularly old pal Tommy Provenzano, whose rise to power in New York parallels Vincent's in Hollywood. Eventually, Vincent's desire to bring a gentle turn-of-the-century novel to the screen leads him to employ the sorts of techniques and friends that served him in his mafia days. Cinematic triumph follows, but so does trouble.
Vincente Michaele Callabrese works as a shake-down artist for the mob in New York City's Little Italy, but moviegoing is his passion. Early in the story, he changes his name to Michael Vincent and makes a break for L.A., where with the help of powerful studio head Leo Goldman he fufills his dream of becoming a big-time producer. Vincent's cosa nostra connections keep in touch, particularly old pal Tommy Provenzano, whose rise to power in New York parallels Vincent's in Hollywood. Eventually, Vincent's desire to bring a gentle turn-of-the-century novel to the screen leads him to employ the sorts of techniques and friends that served him in his mafia days. Cinematic triumph follows, but so does trouble.
January 14, 2025
The second book I picked up secondhand in Japan. I am a sucker for anti-heros and while the Othello references were a little on the nose, Vicent lived up to his reputation as the Iago of Hollywood.
Vicent's passion for making good films throughout the novel and his attention to production detail added a sense of taste to the sleazy underworld figures you would expect in a book about a mobster moving to Malibu.
The book ended too suddenly in a tragic fashion not quite deserved. Like all mobsters, only the FBI knocking on the door finally brought the movie studio mogel down.
I was so engrossed I didn't notice the cover falling off. Read in one sitting!
Vicent's passion for making good films throughout the novel and his attention to production detail added a sense of taste to the sleazy underworld figures you would expect in a book about a mobster moving to Malibu.
The book ended too suddenly in a tragic fashion not quite deserved. Like all mobsters, only the FBI knocking on the door finally brought the movie studio mogel down.
I was so engrossed I didn't notice the cover falling off. Read in one sitting!
April 19, 2021
Highly organized storytelling tells a fast paced tale of a tidy ending.
November 13, 2025
Cannot deny how quick and easy this went down which is why it gets 3 stars.
But as to the actual quality of the novel this is really basic and pretty bad. And the escalation of the last 30 or so pages is truly absurd. I did like how mean the ending was.
But as to the actual quality of the novel this is really basic and pretty bad. And the escalation of the last 30 or so pages is truly absurd. I did like how mean the ending was.
June 9, 2013
NY mobster Vinnie becomes LA Hollywood Michael. Vinnie stakes out a hard scrabble life as a low level gofer for the mob, but his love of movies is parlayed into a sweet deal as a Hollywood producer. He heads west with his buddie's girl, Vanessa, and sets up shop in LA, only occasionally calling on his childhood buddy Tommy Pro for help in difficult situations. Vinnie abandons his past to become Michael Vincent, and he sets about seducing every woman of power in LA. Welcomed into the ownership circle of Centurion Studios, Michael engineers the overthrow and murder of its head, Leo Goldman, and seduces his gorgeous wife Amanda. Michael runs afoul of his mob buddies when he resists a buyout overture, and is shot and maimed prior to his final showdown with Tommy.
Another classic Woods' novel, springing from the NYC mob days and weaving into Woods' beloved Centurion Studios, you will love this read.
Another classic Woods' novel, springing from the NYC mob days and weaving into Woods' beloved Centurion Studios, you will love this read.
May 22, 2014
I first read this book 20 years ago and thusly have read more than thirty Stuart Woods books. The truth is, while mostly fleet and fun, none of those books hold a candle to this. This is the third or fourth time I've read it, easily making it my most re-read book ever. Reading it this time, I do see some clunky writing here and there but the whole thing is far too engrossing to ding it for that. What really redeems Michael, an otherwise loathsome character, is that he genuinely loves movies and his artistic ambition is pure. This helps keep Michael engaging despite Woods, as usual, depiction of his main character being the world's greatest lover capable of bending any woman to his will. 20 years later, the pure pulp of this book still has me riveted.
November 16, 2012
I don't know how Stuart Woods does it but his books almost beg to be read in as few sittings as possible. Each chapter sucks you into the next. This story seemed to have a little different feel than some of the other books of his that I have read but it wasn't unpleasant. It was an interesting look into the movie business and the mob. I would actually rate this 3.5 stars.
July 19, 2015
I enjoyed much of this book. I wouldn't hesitate to read Stuart Woods again. But, it sends a terrible message. Somebody who does all those evil things would surely not enter Heaven. But, he does -- along with all the other bad guys. That is a dangerous thing. Not everybody goes to Heaven, after all.
February 15, 2019
I just LOVE Stuart Woods!
His books are nothing short of fun to read and extremely engaging. The stand-alones are as good as or better than the series. I would love it, however, if he continued with the Ed Eagle series. No matter ... if Woods’ name is on it, I’ll read it!
His books are nothing short of fun to read and extremely engaging. The stand-alones are as good as or better than the series. I would love it, however, if he continued with the Ed Eagle series. No matter ... if Woods’ name is on it, I’ll read it!
August 23, 2008
This was the first Stuart Woods book I read and it was so good I have been hooked by this author ever since! Great plot and new insight into the world of Hollywood.
September 22, 2011
live by the sword, die by he sword. what does around come around.
poor Michael Vincente Callasbrese........
poor Michael Vincente Callasbrese........
July 14, 2012
Very good for a quick summer read. I couldn't put this one down.
July 31, 2014
The ending was unsatisfying. The protag skated between likeable and terrible the bulk of the novel. I prefer one or the other on fast-paced "summer reads."
March 6, 2016
vintage woods, just catching up on some his earlier works
October 9, 2017
Enjoyable read prior to our first trip to LA.
August 13, 2018
This is a stand-alone book from Stuart Woods. Very enjoyable read but I think I like the series books better.
December 1, 2018
A protagonist who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. You don't know whether to hate him or admire him. Another good read from this author.
Read
April 28, 2022Stuart Woods has been grabbing me by the throat ever since I read "Chiefs"
February 19, 2023
Vinnie Callabrese is a low-level mafia thug in his early teens, who absolutely loves the movies. He goes to film school, and uses his skills at budgeting to develop another student's script into a movie. He turns the movie into a hit, and gets a golden deal at Centurion, a movie studio. Changing his name to Michael Vincent, he develops a reputation as a skilled and respected film producer. However, Michael is nothing less than a sociopath, and has used deceit, seduction, threats and even murder to get what he wants. That's an easy way to develop enemies, which constantly threatens to derail his ambitions, as he keeps trying to run from his past and cover up his actions.
This is an entertaining enough story, briskly paced and easy to read. There isn't really a plot, however, and it's hard to figure out what genre it's operating in and what readership it's directed towards. It's really not much more than a recounting of how Michael hits it big in Hollywood, and the wheeling and dealing - and worse - that he undertakes in order to make the movies he wants to make. If it's an insider look at the dark side of Hollywood, again, it's interesting enough. But it's not really a thriller. It's not a comedy. There are no interesting character arcs. We're just following around an anti-hero and watching his various underhanded deeds until his inevitable downfall.
Again, I enjoyed reading something outside my usual reading zone, and it's not without some interesting parts, but it doesn't really have much depth, and feels more like a random series of events happening as opposed to a carefully crafted story. I really wouldn't know who to recommend it to.
This is an entertaining enough story, briskly paced and easy to read. There isn't really a plot, however, and it's hard to figure out what genre it's operating in and what readership it's directed towards. It's really not much more than a recounting of how Michael hits it big in Hollywood, and the wheeling and dealing - and worse - that he undertakes in order to make the movies he wants to make. If it's an insider look at the dark side of Hollywood, again, it's interesting enough. But it's not really a thriller. It's not a comedy. There are no interesting character arcs. We're just following around an anti-hero and watching his various underhanded deeds until his inevitable downfall.
Again, I enjoyed reading something outside my usual reading zone, and it's not without some interesting parts, but it doesn't really have much depth, and feels more like a random series of events happening as opposed to a carefully crafted story. I really wouldn't know who to recommend it to.
July 21, 2019
A re-read for me. After turning a film student's directorial debut into a hit movie, New York mobster and movie fanatic Vinnie Callabrese takes off for the bright lights of Hollywood, where he begins a new life as Michael Vincent, Producer. A natural born wheeler-dealer, he lands not only a major studio deal, but also a gorgeous actress girlfriend. It isn't long before Michael Vincent is one of the most successful producers in town, given his knack for bringing in films under budget -- not too difficult when you're willing to lie, seduce, intimidate, and even kill to get what you want. But some of the people from his past have long memories and a far reach, and now it's Michael's turn to watch his back. Because even in the land of make-believe certain enemies -- and their bullets -- are very real.
This is a very entertaining story. Stuart Woods wrote this when he was releasing one novel a year, not two or three with the help of boiler plates and ghost writers. Definitely worth checking out!
This is a very entertaining story. Stuart Woods wrote this when he was releasing one novel a year, not two or three with the help of boiler plates and ghost writers. Definitely worth checking out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews