What do you think?
Rate this book
Violet Darger #12
Celebrity Skin
A smoking hole gapes where the sitcom couch had been. A black flutter that fills most of the camera frame. The actor lies in the foreground, sprawling on the scorched carpet. Broken. Blurred. Red. All the viewer can make out is what's left of his legs.
Lights. Camera. Violence.
When a homemade explosive device detonates on the set of a network sitcom, FBI profiler Violet Darger heads to Hollywood to investigate. Her gut tells her this is only the first of what will be multiple attacks.
Her gut is right.
Darger enters the strange world of the studio lot. Elaborate sets surround her. Actors and crew members stream past in all directions. The excitement vibrates in the air -- the passion necessary to capture the collective dreams of a culture within the lens of a camera.
But up close the sets look fake, and the cynicism behind those dreams comes clear. The ugly reality doesn't match the way things seem on screen.
Darger works the clues. Digs into the dirt of the victims. Penetrates the psychology of the perpetrator.
The serial bomber might be a name from her past. Might be.
The revolution will be etched into celebrity skin.
But every turn seems to run her up against fresh danger, fresh obstacles. And the pessimism that pervades Los Angeles seems to win out over and over.
And all the while, the clock is ticking. By the time Darger closes in on the bomber, it might be too late.
This pulse-pounding thriller will thrash you right up to the shocking finale. Fans of Michael Connelly, John Sandford, Karin Slaughter, and John Grisham should check out the Violet Darger series. Scroll up and grab Celebrity Skin now.
Lights. Camera. Violence.
When a homemade explosive device detonates on the set of a network sitcom, FBI profiler Violet Darger heads to Hollywood to investigate. Her gut tells her this is only the first of what will be multiple attacks.
Her gut is right.
Darger enters the strange world of the studio lot. Elaborate sets surround her. Actors and crew members stream past in all directions. The excitement vibrates in the air -- the passion necessary to capture the collective dreams of a culture within the lens of a camera.
But up close the sets look fake, and the cynicism behind those dreams comes clear. The ugly reality doesn't match the way things seem on screen.
Darger works the clues. Digs into the dirt of the victims. Penetrates the psychology of the perpetrator.
The serial bomber might be a name from her past. Might be.
The revolution will be etched into celebrity skin.
But every turn seems to run her up against fresh danger, fresh obstacles. And the pessimism that pervades Los Angeles seems to win out over and over.
And all the while, the clock is ticking. By the time Darger closes in on the bomber, it might be too late.
This pulse-pounding thriller will thrash you right up to the shocking finale. Fans of Michael Connelly, John Sandford, Karin Slaughter, and John Grisham should check out the Violet Darger series. Scroll up and grab Celebrity Skin now.
402 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2023
1414 people are currently reading
2329 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Vargus
52 books1,098 followersLex Vargus is the co-author of over 20 thriller and horror novels.
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
FIND LEX ON:
Amazon - Twitter - LTVargus.com
BOOKS BY LT VARGUS
The Violet Darger series
The Victor Loshak series
The Charlotte Winters series
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 4, 2023
So good!
So glad to have Darger and Loshak back. What a read! I feel it was a bit deeper than previous ones which didn't affect the shock and awe one bit. Looking forward to 13!
So glad to have Darger and Loshak back. What a read! I feel it was a bit deeper than previous ones which didn't affect the shock and awe one bit. Looking forward to 13!
May 5, 2025
A little too graphic and dark this time. I usually enjoy these books but was pretty grossed put with the details.
June 2, 2023
Terrifying
So realistic and I live near an amusement park which made it worse. What a terrible villain Huxley is. Now eager for the next one!
So realistic and I live near an amusement park which made it worse. What a terrible villain Huxley is. Now eager for the next one!
May 31, 2023
Another great book in the Violet Darger series! Creepy, gruesome, and downright thrilling.
June 1, 2023
Excellent
This is one of my favorite series. Always keeps me on the edge of my seat. I love the descriptions, too.
Can't wait for the next one!
This is one of my favorite series. Always keeps me on the edge of my seat. I love the descriptions, too.
Can't wait for the next one!
June 21, 2023
Enjoyable but didn't add much to the series.
In fact, it almost took away from the series, at least in the little ways that showcased even a tiny smidgen of Darger's personal life. It may seem an odd complaint, but it's uniquely my own personal taste. As much as I enjoy this series and other crime thrillers, it doesn't mean I don't prefer that said thrillers have characters who have lives outside of their line of work. It's just more believable to me. The only exception to this very specific rule is if the story itself is amazing, too amazing to justify slowing down even for a few handfuls of beats. And since this story wasn't really amazing, it made things feel way too formulaic. It certainly didn't help that Darger is starting to feel too much like the sole solution to problems. Is she getting stale? Can't say yet, but...it doesn't look promising.
It didn't take long to learn that this entry is actually a late (though not immediate) sequel to a previous book in the series that had been left open when the villain had gotten away unscathed from the FBI. I didn't expect that, but was generally unbothered, at least not until I started to realize that it was pretty much a repeat of what'd already been done. My investment was still there, but not as heavily; it was all just...more of the same, really. On the one hand, this book being a sequel certainly does a decent job of closing up some loose ends and finishing things off that needed finishing. But on the other hand, that's pretty much ALL it did. It rehashed the same protagonist, made him do the same thing, and then finally ended.
Things weren't ALL dreadful, though. This book definitely started out with a fantastic bang (in more ways than one). The tension was thick and potent where it counted as it usually can be for a Violet Darger thriller. It was violent and gruesome and terrifying exactly where it needed to be and didn't feel to be lacking in that way at all. I even found myself strangely intrigued by so many of the thought-provoking monologues from the villain like I had been the first time. I really didn't have complaints when it came to the writing style, though there were some moments that felt needlessly fluffed out that I didn't really grasp what was actually happing. The pace was sluggish, but I think it only felt that way because of it feeling like I've read it already before.
Honestly, I just wish this thing had more going for it than just being a simple sequel. There was no mention of Darger's personal life at all (not even a simple call/text with Owen at ANY point?). This just frustrated me. It's as if Darger simply doesn't have any personal life except for when it becomes convenient for the plot. Nothing exists except the case. Stuff like that tends to annoy me after awhile. It's like...why bother making more stories? Meh. But alas, I'm still in this for the long haul. I've been a Darger fan for too long to stop now, and I certainly am still looking forward to the next entry.
In fact, it almost took away from the series, at least in the little ways that showcased even a tiny smidgen of Darger's personal life. It may seem an odd complaint, but it's uniquely my own personal taste. As much as I enjoy this series and other crime thrillers, it doesn't mean I don't prefer that said thrillers have characters who have lives outside of their line of work. It's just more believable to me. The only exception to this very specific rule is if the story itself is amazing, too amazing to justify slowing down even for a few handfuls of beats. And since this story wasn't really amazing, it made things feel way too formulaic. It certainly didn't help that Darger is starting to feel too much like the sole solution to problems. Is she getting stale? Can't say yet, but...it doesn't look promising.
It didn't take long to learn that this entry is actually a late (though not immediate) sequel to a previous book in the series that had been left open when the villain had gotten away unscathed from the FBI. I didn't expect that, but was generally unbothered, at least not until I started to realize that it was pretty much a repeat of what'd already been done. My investment was still there, but not as heavily; it was all just...more of the same, really. On the one hand, this book being a sequel certainly does a decent job of closing up some loose ends and finishing things off that needed finishing. But on the other hand, that's pretty much ALL it did. It rehashed the same protagonist, made him do the same thing, and then finally ended.
Things weren't ALL dreadful, though. This book definitely started out with a fantastic bang (in more ways than one). The tension was thick and potent where it counted as it usually can be for a Violet Darger thriller. It was violent and gruesome and terrifying exactly where it needed to be and didn't feel to be lacking in that way at all. I even found myself strangely intrigued by so many of the thought-provoking monologues from the villain like I had been the first time. I really didn't have complaints when it came to the writing style, though there were some moments that felt needlessly fluffed out that I didn't really grasp what was actually happing. The pace was sluggish, but I think it only felt that way because of it feeling like I've read it already before.
Honestly, I just wish this thing had more going for it than just being a simple sequel. There was no mention of Darger's personal life at all (not even a simple call/text with Owen at ANY point?). This just frustrated me. It's as if Darger simply doesn't have any personal life except for when it becomes convenient for the plot. Nothing exists except the case. Stuff like that tends to annoy me after awhile. It's like...why bother making more stories? Meh. But alas, I'm still in this for the long haul. I've been a Darger fan for too long to stop now, and I certainly am still looking forward to the next entry.
June 13, 2023
Celebrity Skin - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Tyler Huxley has been 'resurrected' with a remodelled face that conceals his renewed vendetta against the society, he believes destroyed his chance of fame and fortune...but for how long can he hide behind it?
Violet Darger and her FBI partner Victor Loshak head straight from a tragic hostage scenario to Hollywood, where the danger and the bodycount ramp up exponentially, gripping you firmly by the imagination throughout Celebrity Skin, by LT Vargus and Tim McBain.
Get it today, but avoid the tallest rides in the amusement park - especially the rollercoaster!
Tyler Huxley has been 'resurrected' with a remodelled face that conceals his renewed vendetta against the society, he believes destroyed his chance of fame and fortune...but for how long can he hide behind it?
Violet Darger and her FBI partner Victor Loshak head straight from a tragic hostage scenario to Hollywood, where the danger and the bodycount ramp up exponentially, gripping you firmly by the imagination throughout Celebrity Skin, by LT Vargus and Tim McBain.
Get it today, but avoid the tallest rides in the amusement park - especially the rollercoaster!
July 9, 2024
Great book but sometimes repetitive
This was a great book, just like all of the others in the series.
However, I’ve noticed a pattern over the last several books where there are several areas of the book where it seems to be just ‘fillers’. For example, the author will explain a something (like a feeling or emotion) in multiple different ways using different words or metaphors, but it’s all basically the same thing. I have skipped over paragraphs and sometimes pages full of this repetitiveness because it’s a waste of time and space to to explain the same thing in multiple ways.
This was a great book, just like all of the others in the series.
However, I’ve noticed a pattern over the last several books where there are several areas of the book where it seems to be just ‘fillers’. For example, the author will explain a something (like a feeling or emotion) in multiple different ways using different words or metaphors, but it’s all basically the same thing. I have skipped over paragraphs and sometimes pages full of this repetitiveness because it’s a waste of time and space to to explain the same thing in multiple ways.
May 30, 2023
Celebrity Skin was one intense rollercoaster ride. We know who the culprit is yet you don't know what he is going to do and how it's going to end. L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain kept me on the edge of my seat turning the pages. L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain took me into the bomber's head and world. Both authors also took me into Darger's mind and I could feel her frustration. In my opinion this is a great continuation of the Violet Darger Series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.
November 9, 2023
Deeply philosophical and...
Another great one. The story just pulls you along whether you are willing or not. Looking ahead to see if you can handle what comes next...in addition to the entrancing story, our authors have pages of insightful and pertinent thoughts. They are so relevant to out world today. Usually as I read a book, I keep a separate doc open to copy paste noteworthy, compelling sections. I decided not to do that with these books because I'd be copying chapters. I recommend these books to others who want current, relevant and edge of your seat novels.
Another great one. The story just pulls you along whether you are willing or not. Looking ahead to see if you can handle what comes next...in addition to the entrancing story, our authors have pages of insightful and pertinent thoughts. They are so relevant to out world today. Usually as I read a book, I keep a separate doc open to copy paste noteworthy, compelling sections. I decided not to do that with these books because I'd be copying chapters. I recommend these books to others who want current, relevant and edge of your seat novels.
June 9, 2023
Celebrity Skin - Violet matches wits with a serial killer
I have been a fan of the Violet Darger & Loshak books from the first. Celebrity Skin is another hit in the series. The appearance of the FBI's most wanted serial killer adds not on an edge but a serious risk to Darger and everyone with whom he comes in contact. This is a hard book to put down because you're afraid you'll miss something. Yeah, I know the story stops when you stop, but you won't want to stop.
I have been a fan of the Violet Darger & Loshak books from the first. Celebrity Skin is another hit in the series. The appearance of the FBI's most wanted serial killer adds not on an edge but a serious risk to Darger and everyone with whom he comes in contact. This is a hard book to put down because you're afraid you'll miss something. Yeah, I know the story stops when you stop, but you won't want to stop.
June 14, 2023
This novel is a serious follow up to the last Vargas/McBain novel of the serial bomber. I say serious because it is violent, graphic and possibly triggering for some people. I love their novels, the characters are wonderful and resilient but they also have their weaknesses. Darger, Loshak, Rohrbach, Luck, etc feel like favorites.
Celebrity Skin is set in LA vs NY where the bomber was in the last book. Darger is allowing her inner detective to listen and dissect the clues. The finale is intense, seriously intense. This is one of their best. I'm already anticipating the next in this series.
Celebrity Skin is set in LA vs NY where the bomber was in the last book. Darger is allowing her inner detective to listen and dissect the clues. The finale is intense, seriously intense. This is one of their best. I'm already anticipating the next in this series.
June 14, 2025
This is a great series. So well written, great character development, interesting and surprising plots and subplots. Had to read all 12 books (to date) before writing this. Only criticism is ... how can Darger keep getting seriously beaten, book after book, and not have trauma related after effects? Why does she keep putting herself in danger? And auto pistols (Glock included) don't have "bolts". They have slides. Minor critique only. I thoroughly enjoyed all 12 books and waiting anxiously for next installment.
May 31, 2023
The latest fast paced book from LT Vargus and Tim McBain has surpassed my ability to be surprised by them. It is the answer to the first half of the story in a previous volume. A bomber with the ability to hide and strike out at any moment when you least expect it.
The profiler and her partner have hours to figure out when and where the bomber will strike next.
The profiler and her partner have hours to figure out when and where the bomber will strike next.
June 7, 2023
Time to step in the way back machine. I had totally forgotten about Tyler. He's one messed up individual. Great to hear about Luck and Fitch again, taking no shit from anyone. Just as long as Tyler is really gone again. Violet and Loshak are still the best team. Looking forward for more of their adventures.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2023
Least favorite of the series
I hope this is the last time they write a book that spans a day or two. Too much filler, too much time with the killer and too many characters in their heads. I read this series for Darger & Loshack interaction and Darger being a badass! More of that please!
I hope this is the last time they write a book that spans a day or two. Too much filler, too much time with the killer and too many characters in their heads. I read this series for Darger & Loshack interaction and Darger being a badass! More of that please!
July 27, 2023
Never give! Up
That is violets motto! The authors keep you so entranced. Each book in this series gives you goose bumps , and if you really absorb the words a lot of life lessons or maybe i should say thought provocative narratives , are included in the story lines. Read carefully!!!
That is violets motto! The authors keep you so entranced. Each book in this series gives you goose bumps , and if you really absorb the words a lot of life lessons or maybe i should say thought provocative narratives , are included in the story lines. Read carefully!!!
August 24, 2023
Review of Celebrity Skin
Good Read!!
An enjoyable read, kept reader involved in story. However; it seemed to be more concentrated on the Special Task Force assigned to the case, rather than Violet Darger and Loshak. I prefer reading these stories concentrating on Darger and Loshak. Otherwise, a good read!! The story is a typical Vargus, McBain book.
Good Read!!
An enjoyable read, kept reader involved in story. However; it seemed to be more concentrated on the Special Task Force assigned to the case, rather than Violet Darger and Loshak. I prefer reading these stories concentrating on Darger and Loshak. Otherwise, a good read!! The story is a typical Vargus, McBain book.
November 29, 2023
Will Darger get her killer
Does Darger think she has 9 lives? Is she the only one that can solve these serial killers? At some point she is going to confront a killer that is either going to kill her or who will be smarter than her. Maybe that will make for the final chapter of Violet Darger the FBI profiler.
Does Darger think she has 9 lives? Is she the only one that can solve these serial killers? At some point she is going to confront a killer that is either going to kill her or who will be smarter than her. Maybe that will make for the final chapter of Violet Darger the FBI profiler.
October 10, 2025
Finally got him!
Yes, he's back! The one that got away much to Darger's disgust. Still able to create shock and awe and to make a name for himself. Bombs detonated to create maximum effect against celebrities. Worked out who has returned?
Good descriptive writing from these two again which may be to bloody for some. I enjoyed it though and now have a wait for the next novel.
Yes, he's back! The one that got away much to Darger's disgust. Still able to create shock and awe and to make a name for himself. Bombs detonated to create maximum effect against celebrities. Worked out who has returned?
Good descriptive writing from these two again which may be to bloody for some. I enjoyed it though and now have a wait for the next novel.
October 9, 2025
Finally over. As for more, no, please. This series was at its best early on. Darger has suffered what must be her 14-20th concussion. For her line of work that’s disqualification, not to mention the effects of CTE show up younger these days. No, Violet and lumbering Loshak should exit stage left at this point.
June 7, 2023
What's with all of the adjectives? I've been waiting for this book and was really disappointed. I usually enjoy the Darger books but sorry guys this one spent way to much time describing what was going on in everyone's head and around them. Don't know why the editor didn't say something. Yuck!!!
June 12, 2023
There’s a lot of carnage in this installment as a serial bomber targets L.A. This book was really fast paced and over too quickly I thought. It was pretty horrifying and gory but also rather philosophical. The clues and the attempted deciphering were really interesting.
June 14, 2023
Love this series!
An intense revisiting of Tyler Huxley. The first Huxley book was almost impossible to put down and this one was book different. I'm A huge fan of the series and can't wait for the next one.
An intense revisiting of Tyler Huxley. The first Huxley book was almost impossible to put down and this one was book different. I'm A huge fan of the series and can't wait for the next one.
July 20, 2023
Excellent series...couldn't put down
Excellent authors...scary yet couldn't stop reading. I think I finished all twelve thriller within a short period of time.. thanks for Violet and friends for providing some humor.
Excellent authors...scary yet couldn't stop reading. I think I finished all twelve thriller within a short period of time.. thanks for Violet and friends for providing some humor.
August 20, 2023
A nail biter
This was a really good read. It was well worth the wait. I keep thinking this one would be very adaptable for the screen (speaking of Hollywood). Perhaps you should write into a screen play. I recommend this book to the reading public!
This was a really good read. It was well worth the wait. I keep thinking this one would be very adaptable for the screen (speaking of Hollywood). Perhaps you should write into a screen play. I recommend this book to the reading public!
September 20, 2023
Excellent book!!!
This book grabs ahold of you and doesn't let you go. L.T. Vargas and Tim McBain have outdone themselves yet again. The twists, turns, and nail-biting are non-stop. You will not want to put it down until you've read the last word.
This book grabs ahold of you and doesn't let you go. L.T. Vargas and Tim McBain have outdone themselves yet again. The twists, turns, and nail-biting are non-stop. You will not want to put it down until you've read the last word.
February 27, 2024
Great book
I would like to thank the writers for this series they make you feel like you are right there. I can't wait for the next book. Definitely read this series it is worth the time and effort you will love them.
I would like to thank the writers for this series they make you feel like you are right there. I can't wait for the next book. Definitely read this series it is worth the time and effort you will love them.
April 27, 2024
12 books never again
I HAVE READ ALL OF THESE BOOKS, NEVER AGAIN, DARGER IS NOT WONDER WOMAN, NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING REAL. THIS BOOK GLORIFIES PEOPLE THAT DO ALOT OF DRUGS AND WEIRDOS AND MASS KILLERS THAT GET THEIR LAST WISH AND PRESENTS THE FBI IN A STRANGE WAY.
I HAVE READ ALL OF THESE BOOKS, NEVER AGAIN, DARGER IS NOT WONDER WOMAN, NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING REAL. THIS BOOK GLORIFIES PEOPLE THAT DO ALOT OF DRUGS AND WEIRDOS AND MASS KILLERS THAT GET THEIR LAST WISH AND PRESENTS THE FBI IN A STRANGE WAY.
July 15, 2025
Great book
This book has a lot of excitement and suspense. A crazed killer who escaped once is back and committing more murders. Can Target and her partner stop him in time. This is a great series with lots of twists and turns.
This book has a lot of excitement and suspense. A crazed killer who escaped once is back and committing more murders. Can Target and her partner stop him in time. This is a great series with lots of twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews