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Rake: A Novel
The landscape of contemporary Paris, the best restaurants, the trendiest bars and clubs, is usually filled with the wealthy, the famous, and le rake or le roué, the charming, educated sophisticate with little or no conscience. Into this cushy world bursts “Dr. Crandall Taylor” —or rather the actor who plays him — the star of a dated American soap opera that is now one of the hottest primetime shows in France. And this newfound fame, as enriching as it is unexpected, is not wasted on Crandall, eager to put his dark and often violent American past behind him and enjoy all the fruits —and the women —that Paris and fame have to offer him.
But TV fame isn’t enough. Randall wants a feature film. Every actor wants a feature film, and so Crandall uses his charm and intellect to draw into his narcissistic web four different women: an executive at the network that runs his show; an American porn star reaching new heights on the internet; a bookish university student with a slightly nasty bent; and the beautiful would-be actress wife of an arms dealer. Against his better judgment, Crandall accepts both the arms dealer’s cash and his beautiful wife’s advances. Soon, Crandall is on the run through the alleys and streets of Paris, trying not only to fund a film but simply to stay alive. But this is no ordinary chase —and Crandall is no ordinary mouse — and soon his penchant for violence, sex, and megalomania erupts into full blown war.
Rake is the latest noir classic from the author of The Ice Harvest. It features a charming, despicable anti-hero and a funny, satiric take on modern entertainment culture. Phillips turns his gimlet eye on the lush life of an actor who, on his destructive tour through Paris, crosses the line from garden variety narcissism into full-fledged psycopathy.
But TV fame isn’t enough. Randall wants a feature film. Every actor wants a feature film, and so Crandall uses his charm and intellect to draw into his narcissistic web four different women: an executive at the network that runs his show; an American porn star reaching new heights on the internet; a bookish university student with a slightly nasty bent; and the beautiful would-be actress wife of an arms dealer. Against his better judgment, Crandall accepts both the arms dealer’s cash and his beautiful wife’s advances. Soon, Crandall is on the run through the alleys and streets of Paris, trying not only to fund a film but simply to stay alive. But this is no ordinary chase —and Crandall is no ordinary mouse — and soon his penchant for violence, sex, and megalomania erupts into full blown war.
Rake is the latest noir classic from the author of The Ice Harvest. It features a charming, despicable anti-hero and a funny, satiric take on modern entertainment culture. Phillips turns his gimlet eye on the lush life of an actor who, on his destructive tour through Paris, crosses the line from garden variety narcissism into full-fledged psycopathy.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 5, 2022
Ridiculous, ingenious and very, very funny.
Not really a thriller or a mystery but it has its share of intrigue.
Recommended for Scott Phillips enthusiasts.
Not really a thriller or a mystery but it has its share of intrigue.
Recommended for Scott Phillips enthusiasts.
January 5, 2022
The sex scenes seemed to be from a softcore porn movie:
I noticed that the only non-hacky character in the book was Fred, the bookstore-clerk-cum-screenwriter. After I finished the book, I saw this in a 2013 LA Times interview:
"The elevator was tiny ... I pushed the ARRÉT button and we hung there, suspended, clawing at one another. 'Let’s do it right here,' I whispered into her ear."The fight scenes seemed to be from a Rambo movie:
"Unarmed, I was capable of killing an attacker in any of a dozen ways."Too bad this was such a cock-and-bull story, because I'm a fan of Phillip's pacing and phrasing.
I noticed that the only non-hacky character in the book was Fred, the bookstore-clerk-cum-screenwriter. After I finished the book, I saw this in a 2013 LA Times interview:
"So I started writing a book ... about a character who works in a bookstore, not unlike poor Fred. But that book didn’t gel, and after 70 or so pages I called Patrick and said, 'This isn’t working, I’m going to start over again.' That’s where 'Rake' came from.".
May 6, 2025
The Moby Dick of Dicks
Where There's a Rake, There's a Hoe: The Story of a Baguette de Douche
On my long, long list of bigotries and prejudices any kind of entertainer ranks very high, so it was hard to sympathize with this movie-star rooster. And when you add agents and writers and porn-stars and international arms dealers, I get steam coming out of my ears. I can't bear such pavonine show-offs. Nonetheless, I liked this guy and I liked this book.
Plenty of good fist-fights. In fact it's all Swords or Pistols or Hearts and Flowers for this horny baguette de douche. Maybe the horniest bastard I've ever read about and he's completely convincing. I say "convincing" because I knew a guy who is this guy's equal or better at womanizing.
Most of the irritating Frenchy stuff was the sitting around in cafes ("Yoo-hoo! Monet, it's me, Degas!"), drinking tiny coffees, and the idiotic Frenchy street names that you can't even sound-out in your head. I usually like to stick to normal, that is, American settings. Foreign shit makes me want to tariff and drop bombs.
In my comments, I spoke too soon about the foodie crap, there's a fair bit of "sole meuniere" and other Frenchy hash-house creations, though nothing nearly so bad as Howard Hunt. But this story was so good he didn't put me off my own shit-on-a-shingle or KD at all. No wine talk to speak of either. I'd have dumped it if there was wine talk. The only thing worse than France and Wine Talk is the USA and Wine Talk.
I have to say, I'd rather read a book written by a woman than a book that takes place in Europe. So I'm gonna make like a fish and poisson -- to some Pat Highsmith. I'm sure she at least ate normal things.
Where There's a Rake, There's a Hoe: The Story of a Baguette de Douche
On my long, long list of bigotries and prejudices any kind of entertainer ranks very high, so it was hard to sympathize with this movie-star rooster. And when you add agents and writers and porn-stars and international arms dealers, I get steam coming out of my ears. I can't bear such pavonine show-offs. Nonetheless, I liked this guy and I liked this book.
Plenty of good fist-fights. In fact it's all Swords or Pistols or Hearts and Flowers for this horny baguette de douche. Maybe the horniest bastard I've ever read about and he's completely convincing. I say "convincing" because I knew a guy who is this guy's equal or better at womanizing.
Most of the irritating Frenchy stuff was the sitting around in cafes ("Yoo-hoo! Monet, it's me, Degas!"), drinking tiny coffees, and the idiotic Frenchy street names that you can't even sound-out in your head. I usually like to stick to normal, that is, American settings. Foreign shit makes me want to tariff and drop bombs.
In my comments, I spoke too soon about the foodie crap, there's a fair bit of "sole meuniere" and other Frenchy hash-house creations, though nothing nearly so bad as Howard Hunt. But this story was so good he didn't put me off my own shit-on-a-shingle or KD at all. No wine talk to speak of either. I'd have dumped it if there was wine talk. The only thing worse than France and Wine Talk is the USA and Wine Talk.
I have to say, I'd rather read a book written by a woman than a book that takes place in Europe. So I'm gonna make like a fish and poisson -- to some Pat Highsmith. I'm sure she at least ate normal things.
May 17, 2016
I tend not to like books set in modern France. In fact, my interest in the country's literature or stories set there probably stops sometime after the death of Jean Cocteau and the publication of Roland Topor's "The Tenant."
Phillips' "Rake" is the exception, a crime yarn set in the City of Light about a TV actor who inhabits what Jay Mohr once called "the showbiz middle-class." He's small potatoes in America, but is quite famous in France. The protagonist is an expertly drawn amoral who is still complex and humorous enough to easily sustain the reader's interest throughout the book. The comparisons between Phillips and Willeford are not hyperbole, as they are in almost every other case (excepting Tom Kakonis, who gets my imprimatur).
I'm pretty good at guessing the direction a novel is going to go, especially crime/mystery books, but the author managed to keep the proceedings interesting and not every twist and turn was easy to see coming. The dialogue's sharp and witty, some of the settings are surreal, and a B-story about a bookseller who writes about incest is bizarre and original enough to demand its own novel-length treatment. And as usual, Phillips is a master at rendering his female characters believable (I know a lot of male authors who aren't), and he's also expert at leavening scenes with sex and violence, without overdoing it (another specialty of his that too many writers botch). Recommended for fans of mystery, crime fiction, suspense, thrillers, and solid writing in general.
Phillips' "Rake" is the exception, a crime yarn set in the City of Light about a TV actor who inhabits what Jay Mohr once called "the showbiz middle-class." He's small potatoes in America, but is quite famous in France. The protagonist is an expertly drawn amoral who is still complex and humorous enough to easily sustain the reader's interest throughout the book. The comparisons between Phillips and Willeford are not hyperbole, as they are in almost every other case (excepting Tom Kakonis, who gets my imprimatur).
I'm pretty good at guessing the direction a novel is going to go, especially crime/mystery books, but the author managed to keep the proceedings interesting and not every twist and turn was easy to see coming. The dialogue's sharp and witty, some of the settings are surreal, and a B-story about a bookseller who writes about incest is bizarre and original enough to demand its own novel-length treatment. And as usual, Phillips is a master at rendering his female characters believable (I know a lot of male authors who aren't), and he's also expert at leavening scenes with sex and violence, without overdoing it (another specialty of his that too many writers botch). Recommended for fans of mystery, crime fiction, suspense, thrillers, and solid writing in general.
May 18, 2021
Funny kind of story about a big shot tv star making a movie in Paris. He is a complete douche and a narcissist, but seems to get away with the murder of two people.
It ends with a damp squib. I was expecting some really off the wall ending where he gets his comeuppance but it just seems to peter out.
That said, I found the story entertaining and the characters will all really terrible people which made it very readable.
It ends with a damp squib. I was expecting some really off the wall ending where he gets his comeuppance but it just seems to peter out.
That said, I found the story entertaining and the characters will all really terrible people which made it very readable.
November 2, 2019
Portrait of a sociopath as a famous actor in Paris. At once a disturbing character study of a man who succeeds wildly despite his moral emptiness, and just a fantastically hilarious tale of criminal obliviousness, RAKE is Phillips' signature filthy noir set against a French backdrop.
August 5, 2021
An American Pyscho In Paris but instead of senseless murder, it's senseless sex. The satire of a style is there and I did laugh at parts, but ultimately it wasn't satisfying and Phillips's other books are preferable.
June 27, 2023
Not your typical book from Counter Point Press in Berkeley but if you're a fan of Scott Phillips "The Ice Harvest" you'll find it entertaining.
December 1, 2021
The description of Paris was more interesting than the adventures of the main character who was much too much involved in his own odd life.
July 21, 2024
Suspend belief for a moment, then enjoy a quick read requiring little thought. Fun, quirky book.
November 14, 2024
Hilarious and filthy. Definite shades of Willeford.
January 1, 2014
AUTHOR: Phillips, Scott
TITLE: Rake
Date Read: 12/31/2013
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS: Crime Fiction/213/Counterpoint Press/192 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE S/A
TIME/PLACE: Present/Paris, France
CHARACTERS: The actor who plays Dr. Crandall Taylor on the soap opera Ventura County
FIRST LINES: It's maybe 2:00 or 3:00 am when I awaken to the smell of Esmee still clinging to the sheets & to the unmistakable sensation of someone's presence in the apartment.
COMMENTS: I love Scott Phillips! If I want something noir and unique he's the one to read! I am glad I ended my reading year w/ one of my favorite authors and he did not disappoint. The protagonist of this book is never named beyond his character name on a soap opera -- Dr. Crandall Taylor. This soap opera had moderate success in the US but when France picked it up years later and aired it on prime time -- the ratings skyrocketed. Dr. Crandall Taylor takes advantage of this fame. A rake for sure but yet a more charming than despicable -- he is having ongoing affairs w/ 4 women but none have been lied to about his intentions ergo acceptable behavior to not only these 4 women but to the reader, as well. He wants to take advantage of his Franco Fame by starring in a movie. He surrounds himself w/ an avant-garde unknown writer, a TV executive, an American porn star, a wanna-be actress married to an arms dealer to gain this goal and what ensues is a dark romp that delivers violence, mayhem and fractured justice.
TITLE: Rake
Date Read: 12/31/2013
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS: Crime Fiction/213/Counterpoint Press/192 pgs
SERIES/STAND ALONE S/A
TIME/PLACE: Present/Paris, France
CHARACTERS: The actor who plays Dr. Crandall Taylor on the soap opera Ventura County
FIRST LINES: It's maybe 2:00 or 3:00 am when I awaken to the smell of Esmee still clinging to the sheets & to the unmistakable sensation of someone's presence in the apartment.
COMMENTS: I love Scott Phillips! If I want something noir and unique he's the one to read! I am glad I ended my reading year w/ one of my favorite authors and he did not disappoint. The protagonist of this book is never named beyond his character name on a soap opera -- Dr. Crandall Taylor. This soap opera had moderate success in the US but when France picked it up years later and aired it on prime time -- the ratings skyrocketed. Dr. Crandall Taylor takes advantage of this fame. A rake for sure but yet a more charming than despicable -- he is having ongoing affairs w/ 4 women but none have been lied to about his intentions ergo acceptable behavior to not only these 4 women but to the reader, as well. He wants to take advantage of his Franco Fame by starring in a movie. He surrounds himself w/ an avant-garde unknown writer, a TV executive, an American porn star, a wanna-be actress married to an arms dealer to gain this goal and what ensues is a dark romp that delivers violence, mayhem and fractured justice.
May 15, 2022
This was the second time I've read this, and I enjoyed it just as much. This is noir with a sense of humor. The protagonist is a former soap opera star living in France, where his show is still popular, and his life revolves around sex, which he eats, sleeps and breaths. Without giving too much away, he somehow revives his career in spite of murder, mayhem and wannabe starlets. I initially gave it 4 stars, because, hell, it's not War and Peace. Still, War and Peace was nowhere near this entertaining. If you like Scott Phillips this is a must read, and if you haven't read anything by him, what are you waiting for?
August 17, 2013
Scott Phillips is not a guy who writes lovable characters. This book is no exception. Dr. Crandall Taylor - or rather, the actor who plays him on a run-of-the mill soup opera, is in Paris trying to get a movie made with him in the lead role. He doesn't have a script or financing but won't let that get in his way. In his spare time, he is eating lots, drinking lots, and having sex with many women. He is not the kind of guy you would ever want to take home to mother. But, I must say, it is oddly appealing and in his own little narcissistic world, seems to be doing ok.
September 24, 2013
Phillips delivers, as usual. Probably best known for his "Ice Harvest", the Cusack/Thornton vehicle, Scott Phillips here writes a spare, unblushing noir tale full of humor, sex (Oh so much sex, delivered, not pointedly described), improbable but logical shenanigans and plenty of gratuitous violence.
Loads of fun.
Recommended.
Loads of fun.
Recommended.
December 3, 2013
I liked "The Ice Harvest" and "The Adjustment" by this author, but I didn't care much for this book. As dark comedies go, this seemed superficial and not all that amusing. The improbable sexual exploits of the main character seemed repetitive. I recommend skipping this one in favor of the author's earlier works.
June 18, 2013
Wonderful comic black novel, reminiscent of Westlake in his heyday and outscores what Hiaasen is doing these days in the humor stakes. And even more enjoyable if you know Paris and the film/TV business well! Highly recommended
August 17, 2013
I usually like this author's work but this seemed really shallow. This is nothing like his earlier work which were full of great characters. The characters in this book are very unlikeable and the plot while sometimes entertaining is predictable. Read his earlier works but pass on this one.
November 24, 2013
My review of RAKE at the L.A. Review of Books:
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/cel...
http://lareviewofbooks.org/review/cel...
June 29, 2013
Listen to our complete review on our website: http://www.bookedpodcast.com/2013/06/...
September 18, 2013
Meh. (LA Times 7/27/13)
August 12, 2013
Amusing, but not much really there....
August 16, 2013
I like this book a lot -- maybe not 5 stars, but 4.5, let's say. Here's my more detailed blog post about it: http://douglevin.blogspot.com/2013/08...
September 25, 2013
Wow! It's been a while since I read a book with a despicable main character that still intrigued me. Very unique!
October 4, 2013
A typical Noir read. An overabundance of sex, one murder and a clever detective. A fun read.
October 30, 2013
A very odd story that had a few somewhat interesting moments, but not enough that I would want to recommend to others.
March 19, 2014
read my review on bookie-monster.com
July 10, 2014
Mostly unbelievable but a quick read. I read this for our book club.
August 28, 2016
If I could give it 0 stars, I would.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews