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Rick Barron #1
The Prince Of Beverly Hills
Demoted after a run-in with a superior, Rick Barron, a talented detective with the Beverly Hills police force, lands a terrific job with the security detail at Centurion Pictures, assigned to protect some of filmdom's leading stars, until he uncovers a murder cover-up and a blackmail scheme that threatens the studio's business and could be tied to powerful West Coast crime lords. 225,000 first printing.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2004
354 people are currently reading
1382 people want to read
About the author
Stuart Woods
411 books3,233 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 173 reviews
October 3, 2025
5 Stars. Set in the late 1930s, this one's full of action with numerous names you are sure to recognize from real life! A young police detective, Rick Barron, is aware that dating the niece of his superior might help his career. But getting her pregnant did not have the same result. Demoted to the beat, he witnesses a serious accident involving a movie star. His resourceful response results in him getting a new job as Centurion Picture's Director of Security. On his first day, he opens the safe in his predecessor's office and finds over $20,000 in cash and an incriminating photo which includes California mobster Chick Stampano. Blackmail appears to be the game. We're off. It was loads of fun, with guest appearances by Clark Gable, David Niven, Greta Garbo, Ben "Bugsy" Siegel, Lucky Luciano, and Hedda Hopper among others. An enjoyable romp. You too will love the glimpse of old Hollywood and its workings in the pre-television era. The first Rick Barron novel. I checked Goodreads and, disappointingly, found only one more entry in this series. But I should note that he appears occasionally in the author's Stone Barrington adventures. (Oc2017/Oc2025)
September 29, 2011
The period book opens with former Beverly Hills Police detective Rick Barron on the job after his demotion to beat cop. He witnesses a drunk driving accident involving movie star Clete Barrow. Despite the fact the other driver was killed, Barron decides to help Clete out with a cover-up. For this bit of damage control, Barron is rewarded with a dream job as head of security at the studio where Barrow is filming a blockbuster movie.
Okay, the story takes place in 1939 when drunk driving was not considered the crime it is now, but as far as I know, even 70 years ago, vehicular homicide was punishable by a jail sentence.
The book is readable, although the story veers off into implausibility. (Turn your head of studio security into a producer? Sure, happens all the time.) However, I had a huge problem with Woods' cavalier attitude toward the victim in the drunk driving accident. Both Barron and Barrow are presented as sympathetic characters, and yet neither one expresses a shred of remorse about the woman's death in the first chapter.
I appreciate main characters with flaws and a bit of moral ambiguity, but it's just too much that Barron not only lets Barrow get away with murder, he profits from it. Because apparently for this guy, money, movie stars, nice clothes and beautiful women are more important than the taking an innocent life.
Okay, the story takes place in 1939 when drunk driving was not considered the crime it is now, but as far as I know, even 70 years ago, vehicular homicide was punishable by a jail sentence.
The book is readable, although the story veers off into implausibility. (Turn your head of studio security into a producer? Sure, happens all the time.) However, I had a huge problem with Woods' cavalier attitude toward the victim in the drunk driving accident. Both Barron and Barrow are presented as sympathetic characters, and yet neither one expresses a shred of remorse about the woman's death in the first chapter.
I appreciate main characters with flaws and a bit of moral ambiguity, but it's just too much that Barron not only lets Barrow get away with murder, he profits from it. Because apparently for this guy, money, movie stars, nice clothes and beautiful women are more important than the taking an innocent life.
November 27, 2018
Light, breezy, surface-like, this fictional murder-adventure-action entry takes the reader through early Hollywood, studio celebrities, and the mob during the 1930s and 1940s. Character Rick Barron leads the way in the first of a two-book series. Some of author Stuart Woods’ earlier work is noteworthy, however this entry is not. Like his later works, this one feels churned out, a check off his to-do list. The storyline has some interest, but the details are rushed and nothing much seems to matter in the end.
June 9, 2013
Rick Barron overcomes the mob. While pulling traffic cop detail, Rick Barron witnesses a deadly car crash and rescues movie star Clete Barrow with quick thinking. He is rewarded by Centurion Studio's Eddie Harris with a new job Chief of Security. Rick quickly stumbles into a goombah roughing up starlets and crosses the mob trying to protect the girls. Chick Stampano, Luciano's bastard son, is out of control but under the protection of Bugsy Seigel. Rick soon suspects the murder of his predecessor is tied into the mob business of taking compromising pictures of females and blackmailing them for cash. Stampano becomes a personal threat when Glenna Gleason is cut and left to die. Rick is dominated by his need to keep Barrow in good enough shape to complete shooting for an ongoing movie. They become friends amidst the buildup to WWII, which Clete owes to Britain. Just as things are settling down, Glenna goes into warp due to Chick's renewed blackmail efforts. Rick and Glenna come clean with each other just before Stampano beats Glenna unconscious. Rick kills Stampano and escapes to join the Navy for WWII. Glenna finds him in the Pacific before he is shot and hurt in combat. Following their wedding, Eddie learns that Seigel is totally involved in the blackmail scheme and wants Rick dead. Eddie's buddy Al finishes Seigel off with a Browning automatic rifle.
July 18, 2011
Woods' books are usually good for a quick, glossy get away. But this one, while slick, lacked enough substance to keep me engaged. Being set in 1939 Hollywood was intriguing, but really turned into more of a guided tour than a plot driven story. Not enough tension. Too little forward momentum. Even with low expectations, this one underwhelmed.
April 28, 2012
I liked the retro feel of this book, a lighthearted black noir cozy mystery. I wish Mr. Woods would continue this series.
July 13, 2018
Preposterous plot, way too rosy of an ending.
July 14, 2017
An enjoyable trip to the "fantasy world" of Hollywood movie-making in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Woods is a pro, talented and highly skilled. He spins a good plot line about a down-on-his-luck cop who helps out the right guy at the right time and gets put on the fast track to big bucks, romance, and the high life by doing an exemplary job working for a Hollywood executive.
Woods gives many big stars and mob characters cameo roles or slightly more, which is fun even if those interactions with the fictional characters never took place with anyone in real life. Most are quite easy to believe, like tennis with Greta Garbo or fly fishing in Oregon with Clark Gable and David Niven.
The mobsters such as Ben "Bugsy" Siegal and Charlie Luciano get some time too, especially Siegal, and the interaction between the mobsters and studio personnel is a key plot component.
The protagonist, Rick Barron, is believable as a cop-turned-studio-security chief who possesses a strong moral compass up to the point where bending the rules (or breaking them) is necessary to protect his job, friends, or love interest. This flaw gets him into som sticky situations that he escapes with street smarts and quick thinking.
It was a fun diversion to get swept up in the fast-paced, extravagent lifestyles of the rich and famous in that era, which also at times made it too convenient to solve some of the dilemmas that arose for the good guys. Got a big problem? Throw a few hundred or a few grand at it (1930s dollars, remember) and problem solvled. A little too easy at times, but I just chuckled and thought, "It's probably more common in real life than we'll ever know."
Overall, I thought the portrayal of the characters and lifestyles in that area were well done. Not the most compelling read, but a great way to pass the time listening to the audio CDs on a long road trip.
Woods gives many big stars and mob characters cameo roles or slightly more, which is fun even if those interactions with the fictional characters never took place with anyone in real life. Most are quite easy to believe, like tennis with Greta Garbo or fly fishing in Oregon with Clark Gable and David Niven.
The mobsters such as Ben "Bugsy" Siegal and Charlie Luciano get some time too, especially Siegal, and the interaction between the mobsters and studio personnel is a key plot component.
The protagonist, Rick Barron, is believable as a cop-turned-studio-security chief who possesses a strong moral compass up to the point where bending the rules (or breaking them) is necessary to protect his job, friends, or love interest. This flaw gets him into som sticky situations that he escapes with street smarts and quick thinking.
It was a fun diversion to get swept up in the fast-paced, extravagent lifestyles of the rich and famous in that era, which also at times made it too convenient to solve some of the dilemmas that arose for the good guys. Got a big problem? Throw a few hundred or a few grand at it (1930s dollars, remember) and problem solvled. A little too easy at times, but I just chuckled and thought, "It's probably more common in real life than we'll ever know."
Overall, I thought the portrayal of the characters and lifestyles in that area were well done. Not the most compelling read, but a great way to pass the time listening to the audio CDs on a long road trip.
March 13, 2019
This book has been on my TBR for quite awhile, long enough that I can't remember who recommended it to me. That's probably a good thing! It's certainly the only reason I finished it (my goal this year is to pair down the TBR).
Ugh. This whole book was a train wreck from beginning to end. The mc does have some good qualities, but loses his morals as soon as his own personal gain comes into play. The plot is extremely unrealistic (for example, effectively covering up for one star's mistakes gets Rick promoted to Hollywood producer within just a month or so even though he's shown no talent or aptitude for the job. Another example, famous women - movie stars who live in the spotlight - just deciding to live with a boyfriend in the 1930s before getting married? In the 1990s, sure, maybe even in the 80s, but not in the 30s.) Also, Woods seems to be obsessed with women's breasts, his characters notice and mention them constantly, despite supposedly being in mortal danger at the time. The worst part of this book is that Woods is pedantic and heavy handed in his writing, definitely needs to work on his "Show me, don't tell me" skills.
This is the first novel by Woods that I've read, and will probably be the only one. Boring, unrealistic, and overly descriptive in the extreme - not recommended.
Ugh. This whole book was a train wreck from beginning to end. The mc does have some good qualities, but loses his morals as soon as his own personal gain comes into play. The plot is extremely unrealistic (for example, effectively covering up for one star's mistakes gets Rick promoted to Hollywood producer within just a month or so even though he's shown no talent or aptitude for the job. Another example, famous women - movie stars who live in the spotlight - just deciding to live with a boyfriend in the 1930s before getting married? In the 1990s, sure, maybe even in the 80s, but not in the 30s.) Also, Woods seems to be obsessed with women's breasts, his characters notice and mention them constantly, despite supposedly being in mortal danger at the time. The worst part of this book is that Woods is pedantic and heavy handed in his writing, definitely needs to work on his "Show me, don't tell me" skills.
This is the first novel by Woods that I've read, and will probably be the only one. Boring, unrealistic, and overly descriptive in the extreme - not recommended.
March 22, 2017
This is my first Stuart Woods book and the first in the Rick Barron series. Frankly, I'm not inclined to read any more by this author. Woods is too macho for me; it feels like he's writing from a man's perspective to a male audience (and I've been there, done that). Of course, he wraps everything up in a bow-tied happy ending which is important to some readers. The characters were okay, but both the characters and the story line were too predictable.
February 28, 2015
Lotta fun. Crime in Hollywood in the 1930s. Really enjoyed this one.
December 18, 2019
Rick Barron and the gilded age. Foot cop turns into movie producers. Bugsy Siegel and some of the other mob and a twist on how Bugsy was exterminated. Enjoyable read.
November 25, 2020
This one is a good one. Really liked bringing in the historical fiction pieces from early Hollywood, mobsters and WW2.
April 20, 2021
The plot is all over the place. Lost interest throughout...
August 3, 2022
Crooked cop goes into the security business for entertainment/propaganda specialists. I found myself wishing for his demise.
June 16, 2022
More like a 3.5. Good story and a good listen.
July 20, 2023
This is a great mystery by Stuart Woods. It’s the first of two on Rick Barron. You stay interested because it keeps moving. Very good. I recommend both on Rick Barron.
April 20, 2025
audio book for a road trip. was just ok.
February 24, 2022
Stuart Woods without Stone Barrington.. a different leading man and an excellent plot line. Easy read as always.. very enjoyable
April 23, 2022
Good read
Not a bad read. I have a thing for late 30's early 40's Hollywood. It even worked WWII into the story. Not a bad bit of historical fiction.
Not a bad read. I have a thing for late 30's early 40's Hollywood. It even worked WWII into the story. Not a bad bit of historical fiction.
July 6, 2010
Interesting novel set in Hollywood in late 1930's !
The prolific Woods' previous 28 novels span both non-series mysteries and thrillers as well as his rather well known Will Lee (lawyer/politician), Stone Barrington (playboy private eye) and Holly Barker (Orchid Beach police chief) series stories. "Prince" is a total departure, featuring ex-cop, now Centurion film studios new head of security, Rick Barron, in a tale set in 1939. The movie studios are becoming big business in the heyday of Gable, Garbo, and Hopper; but war troubles loom in Europe as the Nazi machine is gearing up for conquest.
Rick gets his job through handling big star Clete Barrow's auto accident, in which he squirrels the actor away before bad publicity sets in, to the ever grateful appreciation of the studio. Soon he has plenty of money, a glamorous convertible, and increasing pull with the top executives of the studio. Before long, he himself is an assistant producer and apparently latches on to the work quickly as he is successful right from the start. His careful covering of a rising female star's attempted suicide also endears him both to his bosses and to the lovely lady herself, and soon romance ensues! All is swell but for the interference of mob thug Chick Stampano who keeps rearing his ugly head, as part of a blackmailing scheme, throughout virtually the whole book. In the end, who will prevail?
The plot meanders to a somewhat slow ending, but this novel is not exactly a thriller with a big hunt or whodunit that needs a flashy ending. Rather, it is more of a period piece that entertains with historical perspective, an amusing story set amid the glory of the movie capital, and characters with whom it is fun to spend an afternoon or so enjoying their tribulations and victories. Woods' writing is as always in fine form, and frankly we didn't miss the explicit sex so common in his Barrington tales. All in all, the new characters and early Americana (albeit Hollywood!) gave us a pleasurable few hours of light reading without overwhelming violence, sex, or intrigue. Enjoy!
The prolific Woods' previous 28 novels span both non-series mysteries and thrillers as well as his rather well known Will Lee (lawyer/politician), Stone Barrington (playboy private eye) and Holly Barker (Orchid Beach police chief) series stories. "Prince" is a total departure, featuring ex-cop, now Centurion film studios new head of security, Rick Barron, in a tale set in 1939. The movie studios are becoming big business in the heyday of Gable, Garbo, and Hopper; but war troubles loom in Europe as the Nazi machine is gearing up for conquest.
Rick gets his job through handling big star Clete Barrow's auto accident, in which he squirrels the actor away before bad publicity sets in, to the ever grateful appreciation of the studio. Soon he has plenty of money, a glamorous convertible, and increasing pull with the top executives of the studio. Before long, he himself is an assistant producer and apparently latches on to the work quickly as he is successful right from the start. His careful covering of a rising female star's attempted suicide also endears him both to his bosses and to the lovely lady herself, and soon romance ensues! All is swell but for the interference of mob thug Chick Stampano who keeps rearing his ugly head, as part of a blackmailing scheme, throughout virtually the whole book. In the end, who will prevail?
The plot meanders to a somewhat slow ending, but this novel is not exactly a thriller with a big hunt or whodunit that needs a flashy ending. Rather, it is more of a period piece that entertains with historical perspective, an amusing story set amid the glory of the movie capital, and characters with whom it is fun to spend an afternoon or so enjoying their tribulations and victories. Woods' writing is as always in fine form, and frankly we didn't miss the explicit sex so common in his Barrington tales. All in all, the new characters and early Americana (albeit Hollywood!) gave us a pleasurable few hours of light reading without overwhelming violence, sex, or intrigue. Enjoy!
April 19, 2020
This was my first Stuart Woods book, and I really enjoyed it. I'm not a big fan of mystery and murder, but since it took place in 1930s/1940's Hollywood, I had to read it.
Rick Barron starts as a demoted Beverly Hills cop, but after handling a 'situation' with one of Centurion Studios' biggest stars, Eddie Harris (#2 man at the studio) offers Rick an offer he can't refuse as Head of Security for Centurion. All too happy to leave the BHPD, he takes the job and is fast becoming the hot new man in town. While looking out for the well being of the studio's stars, Rick lands himself in some trouble with mobster Chick Stampano. Chick has a habit of beating up and blackmailing Hollywood's leading ladies, and Rick's not about to put up with it...so with the help of some friends, he sets out to take care of his little mob problem.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. It was fast-paced, and almost impossible to put down. My only issue with the book was the names. Mr. Woods would use the same name for different characters, and it got a bit confusing at times...especially since it just wasn't necessary, (i.e...the two studio exec's named Eddie, the two Ben's, the two Jacks, Barrow and Barron...why couldn't everyone have a different name?).
In the end, I definitely recommend this. I don't know that I'll read many more of his books in the future seeing as how I don't care for detective stories...but the man is a great author. And should I ever feel the urge to read one, Mr. Woods will be at the top of my list.
Rick Barron starts as a demoted Beverly Hills cop, but after handling a 'situation' with one of Centurion Studios' biggest stars, Eddie Harris (#2 man at the studio) offers Rick an offer he can't refuse as Head of Security for Centurion. All too happy to leave the BHPD, he takes the job and is fast becoming the hot new man in town. While looking out for the well being of the studio's stars, Rick lands himself in some trouble with mobster Chick Stampano. Chick has a habit of beating up and blackmailing Hollywood's leading ladies, and Rick's not about to put up with it...so with the help of some friends, he sets out to take care of his little mob problem.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. It was fast-paced, and almost impossible to put down. My only issue with the book was the names. Mr. Woods would use the same name for different characters, and it got a bit confusing at times...especially since it just wasn't necessary, (i.e...the two studio exec's named Eddie, the two Ben's, the two Jacks, Barrow and Barron...why couldn't everyone have a different name?).
In the end, I definitely recommend this. I don't know that I'll read many more of his books in the future seeing as how I don't care for detective stories...but the man is a great author. And should I ever feel the urge to read one, Mr. Woods will be at the top of my list.
August 29, 2015
Story is about turn of events in life of a normal American cop during times of World War 2. Fortune smiles on this honest officer who gets demoted on job due to weird reasons, as he is offered a new career with a leading American film studio.
Taking up new position as head of security, his loyalty and good nature gets him into good books of his bosses, some of which later develop into healthy and long lasting friendship. Even if the story lacks depth, nice little dosage and combination of aspects such as friendliness, professionalism, excitement, trust, action, thrill, love etc. keep story moving and energetic. Sequences of encounters with local mafia and hooligans give a subtle kick as well.
Communication between friends through old fashioned letters sent across countries are beautifully written and crafted
May not be closely related to the war as such. However, element of patriotism and minimal connection of a citizen to his country's war time situation and demands also give a positive touch of its own.
A nice and crisp little mixture of everything helps retain the interest levels of reader throughout.
Though nothing extraordinary about, it was a simple and nice experience reading this novel. A quick and acceptable read.
Taking up new position as head of security, his loyalty and good nature gets him into good books of his bosses, some of which later develop into healthy and long lasting friendship. Even if the story lacks depth, nice little dosage and combination of aspects such as friendliness, professionalism, excitement, trust, action, thrill, love etc. keep story moving and energetic. Sequences of encounters with local mafia and hooligans give a subtle kick as well.
Communication between friends through old fashioned letters sent across countries are beautifully written and crafted
May not be closely related to the war as such. However, element of patriotism and minimal connection of a citizen to his country's war time situation and demands also give a positive touch of its own.
A nice and crisp little mixture of everything helps retain the interest levels of reader throughout.
Though nothing extraordinary about, it was a simple and nice experience reading this novel. A quick and acceptable read.
October 5, 2018
The book was very readable, and I enjoyed the setting of Hollywood in the 1930s. Rick Barron, a cop who was busted to a lower rank because of a romantic relationship, is a mix of good guy and opportunist. A traffic accident that he happens to witness leads him to the opportunity to become head of security at a movie studio.
In his new job, he encounters some of the biggest stars in Hollywood but also runs afoul of mobsters working for Bugsy Siegel. He deals with everyone according to his sometimes questionable moral compass. He won't cross this line, but he breezes past another as if it's not even there.
The best relationships in the book are the male friendships, Rick Barron's with his studio boss Eddie Harris and the studio's leading star Clete Barrow. Woods does a good job of constructing the relationships where the men look out for each other and even come to depend on each other in a very manly way.
I didn't LOVE the book, but I was heading toward a 4-star rating because of its readability and depiction of '30s life in Hollywood, until the ending. It felt like the book zoomed on fast forward through several important events and then ended in a way that left Rick largely out of the final act. I also didn't find the romance particularly romantic.
In his new job, he encounters some of the biggest stars in Hollywood but also runs afoul of mobsters working for Bugsy Siegel. He deals with everyone according to his sometimes questionable moral compass. He won't cross this line, but he breezes past another as if it's not even there.
The best relationships in the book are the male friendships, Rick Barron's with his studio boss Eddie Harris and the studio's leading star Clete Barrow. Woods does a good job of constructing the relationships where the men look out for each other and even come to depend on each other in a very manly way.
I didn't LOVE the book, but I was heading toward a 4-star rating because of its readability and depiction of '30s life in Hollywood, until the ending. It felt like the book zoomed on fast forward through several important events and then ended in a way that left Rick largely out of the final act. I also didn't find the romance particularly romantic.
February 12, 2015
4 STARS
"Rick Barron, a sharp, capable detective on the Beverly Hills force, finds himself demoted after a run-in with a superior officer, but he soon lands a job other cops only dream about: the security detail for Centurion Pictures, one of the hottest studios in the midst of Hollywood's golden age of the late 1930s. As the protector of the studio's interests, Barron looks after the elite of filmdom's stars - among them Clete Barrow, a British leading man with a penchant for parties, and Glenna Gleason, a peach of a talent on the verge of stardom." Rick's easy charm has society columnists dubbing him "the Prince of Beverly Hills," the white knight of movie stars, until he stumbles across a murder cover-up and a blackmail scam that threaten the studio's business and may have origins with some unsavory characters. When two suspicious deaths begin to look like a double murder, and an attempt is made on someone who has become an intimate friend, Barron knows he is up against wise guys whose stakes are nothing less than do-or-die. A dicey war of nerves is on." (From Amazon)
I LOVE this novel...set in classic Hollywood era I was engrossed in the rich details!
"Rick Barron, a sharp, capable detective on the Beverly Hills force, finds himself demoted after a run-in with a superior officer, but he soon lands a job other cops only dream about: the security detail for Centurion Pictures, one of the hottest studios in the midst of Hollywood's golden age of the late 1930s. As the protector of the studio's interests, Barron looks after the elite of filmdom's stars - among them Clete Barrow, a British leading man with a penchant for parties, and Glenna Gleason, a peach of a talent on the verge of stardom." Rick's easy charm has society columnists dubbing him "the Prince of Beverly Hills," the white knight of movie stars, until he stumbles across a murder cover-up and a blackmail scam that threaten the studio's business and may have origins with some unsavory characters. When two suspicious deaths begin to look like a double murder, and an attempt is made on someone who has become an intimate friend, Barron knows he is up against wise guys whose stakes are nothing less than do-or-die. A dicey war of nerves is on." (From Amazon)
I LOVE this novel...set in classic Hollywood era I was engrossed in the rich details!
September 3, 2023
excellent reading
Just could not put this book down. A really great read. Not a slow chapter in the book. It was so good I intend to read it again next week. Please, please read this book.
Just could not put this book down. A really great read. Not a slow chapter in the book. It was so good I intend to read it again next week. Please, please read this book.
November 2, 2014
I liked how the author used “small English words”. It made every situation easier to understand. It’s a fast paced book where you won’t notice that you’re almost at the end when you thought you've just started flipping it. Every conversation is fast and straight-forward, no additives as they say. It has less narration and all characters are busy with their actions so you’ll never get bored. But I noticed, the author was not able to describe properly some important events i.e.: when Rick fell in love, when Clete Barrow died, the beating of Glenna Gleason, when Rick Barron got hit, and when Rick killed Chick Stampano. He could have used some “whipped-cream” to suffice the hunger of his reader. Anyway, all in all, it was a good, fast, and character-always-in-action book.
May 7, 2016
A slice of old Hollywood and the pre and post WWII years in the movie industry. I found the characters likable and especially appreciated that the male protagonist was not the typical tough guy womanizer that is often found in similar fiction. I thought the references to the mob and its influences as well as other historical figures were well worked into the story and did not seem forced or gratuitous. A good sign is when I was disappointed when the novel ended as I would have been happy to continue the journey along with the main characters and was curious to find out what would happen next.
June 25, 2017
OK, A Bit Corny.
The story takes itself too seriously--it's just not gripping
RICK BARRON, demoted to beat cop but should be in prison.
He's hired by a Hollywood studio to cover up the scandals that would otherwise land stars in jail or shock readers of the nations papers (late 1930s).
Follows the war in Europe then Pearl Harbor. Rick kills a persistent bad guy/wiseguy & joins the Naval aviators where he's wounded & returns home a hero.
The mob plans to kill Rick--revenge for the wiseguy, but the studio boss hires a hitman to kill them first.
The ending seems rushed & lacks interest at times.
The story takes itself too seriously--it's just not gripping
RICK BARRON, demoted to beat cop but should be in prison.
He's hired by a Hollywood studio to cover up the scandals that would otherwise land stars in jail or shock readers of the nations papers (late 1930s).
Follows the war in Europe then Pearl Harbor. Rick kills a persistent bad guy/wiseguy & joins the Naval aviators where he's wounded & returns home a hero.
The mob plans to kill Rick--revenge for the wiseguy, but the studio boss hires a hitman to kill them first.
The ending seems rushed & lacks interest at times.
December 17, 2020
A recently demoted police detective funds forl. His first night back in uniform, Rick Barron witnesses a car accident in which Clete Barrow, a drunk Hollywood A-lister, is involved. Though the other driver dies, Rick performs "Hollywood damage control," whisking Clete away from the scene. Centurion Studios' vice-president, grateful for Rick's "professional ethics," offers him the head of security. X-rated pictures that Rick finds in Kean's old safe get him into discussions with L.A. mob boss Bugsy Siegal while ducking blows from his henchman, Chick Stampano. While romancing Glenna and gaining heroic notoriety, Rick learns of Stampano's involvement in a variety of crime scenes.
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