Mit Out Sound

by Rick Lenz

Would-be movie producer Emily Bennett didn't believe the legend of a lost movie, starring James Dean and John Wayne. But when she meets two uncannily talented celebrity impersonators-Jimmy Riley and Tom "Duke" Manfredo, and stumbles upon the elusive film editor who stole the master negative of Showdown, it dispels her doubts, fills her with a courage she didn't know she had, and she sets out to complete the movie.

But as Emily and her stars prepare for day one of shooting, they find themselves entangled in a complex love triangle with Oedipal undertones, mirroring their own past lives and off-screen dynamics. As doubts about their ruthless director, Solange Borugian, surface, Jimmy's and Duke's friendship is turned upside down, while Emily and her brother Ben, struggle with their own unresolved issues and are forced to confront their dying father.

On location in Arizona, amidst Apache holy grounds and the magic of day-for-night shooting, the lines between past and present blur and the flawed characters' backstories intertwine into a tumultuous finale that exposes their hidden animosities, demons, and loves.

Genres: Ebooks, Fiction

378 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

I’ve spent the greatest part of my life as a writer and actor. Most of the acting was to make a living and raise my family. I have been a writer longer than I’m comfortable saying. I do it because it gives me joy, whether it’s playwriting, or in the last dozen years, writing books. Like a lot of people, I’m told, I threw away my first attempts at books—maybe two medium length novels. I hope readers come away from my stories knowing something they didn't know before, having been entertained, and wishing it didn't have to come to an end.

To see what I'm doing now, please visit www.ricklenz.com. Thanks!

Reviews

[Harsh Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mit out sound means a scene shot silent, in the world of cinema. In this intriguing story, Emily Bennett, an aspiring movie producer, stumbles across a legendary lost film, Showdown, believed to feature James Dean and John Wayne. She teams up with two remarkably talented impersonators, Jimmy Riley and Tom "Duke" Manfredo, and an elusive film editor to uncover the truth behind the missing movie. As they begin to shoot, their lives become tangled in a complex web of relationships, unresolved family issues, and intense personal conflicts, leading them into an emotional and dramatic journey that tests their boundaries, friendships, and the film they’re determined to finish.

The author takes readers on a compelling ride, mixing the magic of cinema with raw human emotion. He expertly weaves a narrative that is rich with layers of both personal and professional turmoil. Emily’s dynamic with her brother Ben, and the strained relationship between Jimmy and Duke, created a constant tension that kept me hooked. The writing style is phenomenal.

I wasn’t expecting such a deep emotional journey when I first picked up the book, but by the end, I found myself reflecting on the perfectly flawed characters long after I turned the last page. The complexities of family, identity, and ambition were explored in a way that felt intimate and personal. It’s a book that lingers, asking more questions than it answers, but in the most rewarding way.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Mit Out Sound,” Rick Lenz has woven an entertaining tale against the backdrop of Hollywood mythology, where the history of film, personal ambition, and convoluted interpersonal relationships merge. The action revolves around Emily Bennett, a would-be film producer whose life is turned upside down when she finds the fabled lost movie called Showdown, featuring no less than James Dean and John Wayne. This was a page-turner from the start that just got better with each new chapter.

Unique to “Mit Out Sound” is the exploration of identity and ambition. At the heart of “Mit Out Sound” is Emily’s personal journey. Her professional ambitions intersect with a deeply personal quest to resolve issues with her brother Ben and confront their dying father. The author artfully weaves these storylines together, making the personal stakes just as important as the professional ones. The familial conflicts, with Oedipal undertones, add an extra layer of psychological depth, as the characters’ struggles reflect their unresolved pasts.

Emily’s quest to finish Showdown becomes, in a sense, a metaphor for her own desire to make sense of her life and relationships. Lenz’s writing is engaging, nearly cinematic in feel, with sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions. The characters are all flawed, yet somehow relatable, with their demons to be confronted. While this book was delightful in many ways, it is perhaps the character development that was the first hook for me as a reader. The diverse and relatable characters are what I feel really propelled this story forward and kept the story dynamic.

The author conveys the thrill of the history of Hollywood but keeps the novel in the emotional investment of its characters. Additionally, the setting of the novel provides a touch of magic to the story. Lenz uses that backdrop to blur the lines between past and present, allowing the backstories of his characters to merge with the film they are trying to complete. This setting only mirrors the emotional journeys of the characters and contributes to that sense of inevitability through which the novel is permeated: the revelation of long-buried animosities, secrets, and loves in the dramatic denouement.

“Mit Out Sound” by Rick Lenz is a richly layered novel, combining Hollywood lore with personal drama to deliver a tale that is at once both deeply entertaining and emotionally resonant. This is a thoughtful and powerful novel about fame, identity, and ambition wrapped up in a mystery concerning a lost piece of cinematic history. Hollywood story lovers, character-driven narrative enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a near-perfect novel will find this book endlessly appealing.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 love character driven books
🕵🏻‍♀️ enjoy a good mystery
🎥 like to watch old timey movies
⭐️ have ever visited Hollywood

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Would-be movie producer Emily Bennett didn't believe the legend of a lost movie, starring James Dean and John Wayne. But when she meets two uncannily talented celebrity impersonators-Jimmy Riley and Tom "Duke" Manfredo, and stumbles upon the elusive film editor who stole the master negative of Showdown, it dispels her doubts, fills her with a courage she didn't know she had, and she sets out to complete the movie.

But as Emily and her stars prepare for day one of shooting, they find themselves entangled in a complex love triangle with Oedipal undertones, mirroring their own past lives and off-screen dynamics. As doubts about their ruthless director, Solange Borugian, surface, Jimmy's and Duke's friendship is turned upside down, while Emily and her brother Ben, struggle with their own unresolved issues and are forced to confront their dying father.

On location in Arizona, amidst Apache holy grounds and the magic of day-for-night shooting, the lines between past and present blur and the flawed characters' backstories intertwine into a tumultuous finale that exposes their hidden animosities, demons, and loves.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was a really unique story about a woman who discovers a missing movie and decides to finish it for good. I loved the premise, as it was very unique and fresh. This is always a must for me in books, otherwise it feels too “been there, done that.” The characters felt realistic and the drama surrounding them was entertaining too. Emily was by far my favorite character, and I enjoyed rooting for her as she went on this quest not only to complete the movie, but to try and fix all of the problems in her life. If you enjoy older movies and mysteries, check this one out!

[Angela Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIT Out Sound brings an engaging, unique storyline to readers. Honestly, I almost didn't read the book because I didn't know what "MIT Out Sound" referenced in the Hollywood world--and I wasn't sure if I would be interested in a book focused on "that" side of the Hollywood camera. Ultimately, I was drawn in by the nostalgic lure of John Wayne and James Dean. After a few pages, I was so glad I picked up the book! The author is a wonderful storyteller who brings the real-life side stories of his characters to life as he quickly pulls readers into the settings and the Hollywood world he depicts. The story is unique and engaging, with elements like the main characters' medical condition and the character relationships that pull readers in and keep them rooting for Emily and the story to the end.

Expect Characters and Settings to Love. I loved Emily after the first page and was excited to follow her story to closure. The settings, the blending of the past and present, the realistic-feeling side stories and the dialogue all create a book to love from start to finish.

Would I Recommend MIT Out Sound by Rick Lenz? This book actually surprised me--because I had expected to feel "out of the loop" since I didn't even know what the title meant. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The stories and pasts of the characters are presented perfectly as the storyline builds. There is almost a magical feel to the story that blends dramatic elements with history and human nature. If you enjoy page-turners that transport you into new worlds in realistic ways, this is a great book for your reading list.

I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.

[Mike Lefebvre · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIT OUT SOUND
By Rick Lenz

As I begin to thread my 16mm “Clunker” of a projector, I not actually sure what I’m about to view. To my surprise, it’s words. However, the words become a written movie of the mind. A film within a film. A celluloid epic like no other. A Quentin Tarantino film but without the gratuitous violence.

The credits read: MIT OUT SOUND - A Rick Lenz film. Shades of Sunset Boulevard perhaps? Citizen Kane? The Searchers? I have to keep reminding myself that this is a book…NOT A FILM! Did I breathe in a bit too much tarapo?

Rick has a flair for storytelling as he has proven in the past. He spins a story not unlike Sinclair Lewis.

The reader learns through actor Richard Boone, that actual film existed of an unfinished 1950’s movie starring John Wayne and James Dean. We learn that the film was shelved.

The author entertains the reader with behind the scenes of the lost movie as well as the possibility that this actual footage exists.

The novel is well written as are the characters. The readers will be able to relate to them because of Lenz’s ability to make them realistic.

Let us not forget the thrill of going on location for a film shoot! Who doesn’t love the smell of film locations?

Now it is time to give you the ultimate experience you’ve been waiting for.

From the start of the book to the “finis” of the “real”, it’s time to experience an entertaining Hollywood tale.

Listen! If you do, you will be able to hear the actual celluloid running off the projector and flapping off into the Arizona sunset.

Collywobbles!

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mit Out Sound (Chromodroid Press, 2024, 346 pages). The German word mit means “with.” As a movie term it references parts of a movie recorded with-out-sound. In the novel from Rick Lenz it makes an appearance as a possible way to salvage a film project. Like too much of Mit Out Sound it’s also Lenz showing off his Hollywood insider knowledge. Emily Bennett is so obsessed with movies that it’s unclear if her face blindness is legit or a reflection of her fixation on celebrities. Though still young, she has been an assistant for Richard Boone. He accidentally mentions the existence of a partial reel for Showdown, an abandoned project that would have co-starred John Wayne (1907-79) and James Dean (1931-55). Emily is sworn to secrecy but proceeds to recruit two impersonators–Tom Manfredo (Wayne) and Jimmy Riley (Dean)­–a director/script writer, film editor, and backers to finish the film. Even her troubled brother gets a role. Emily worships Wayne and discovers that he called off the film because he distrusted Dean. The novel’s best moments reveal how hard it is to make a movie. It does that so well that it’s difficult to believe that Lenz’s characters got anything off the ground. For what it’s worth, Wayne and Dean were in one film, Trouble Along the Way, though Donna Reed was Wayne’s costar, and Dean had a tiny role. An unconfirmed rumor held that a Wayne/Dean film really was underway. You can reuse movie titles, but neither of the two Showdown IMDB titles (1963/19773) have either Wayne or Dean in them. ★★★-- Rob Weir

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel isn’t just about resurrecting an old Hollywood legend—it’s about confronting the ghosts of the past, both literal and metaphorical. The characters are messy, flawed, and tangled in relationships that are equal parts love, resentment, and unresolved history. Emily’s determination to finish Showdown starts as a career move, but it quickly becomes something deeper—a journey into a past that refuses to stay buried. Jimmy and Duke aren’t just playing legends; they’re living echoes of something bigger, and the weight of that starts to crack their friendship.

What really struck me was how seamlessly the book blends mystery, Hollywood nostalgia, and raw human emotion. The story isn’t just about making a movie—it’s about making peace with the past. Emily and her brother Ben are forced to confront their father’s impending death, and their struggle to reconnect feels just as high-stakes as the film itself. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Duke’s bond is tested in ways that go beyond the usual Hollywood egos. And Solange, their ruthless director? Let’s just say she’s got her own motives, and trusting her might be the biggest gamble of all.

The tension builds like a perfectly paced film, leading to an ending that feels both inevitable and surprising. Some stories—on and off the screen—never really end, and Mit Out Sound captures that beautifully. If you love old Hollywood mysteries, complex character drama, and stories about redemption, this one is absolutely worth your time.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Keaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing in Mit Out Sound stands out for its introspective and somewhat melancholic tone, beautifully capturing the struggles of a woman facing both personal and professional challenges. Lenz’s depiction of Emily’s disorder and the way it impacts her perception of the world is both unique and compelling. For example, when Emily mistakes ordinary people for film stars, it creates a surreal and even humorous tension between reality and imagination, showing the readers her internal conflict in a deeply human way.

The book is rich in its exploration of themes like identity, memory, and the elusive nature of fame. Emily’s quest to find meaning in the fragmented world she inhabits, especially her pursuit of a lost film, reveals how people project their desires and ideals onto others, particularly celebrities. A particularly memorable moment is when Emily reflects on her relationship with her father, Dr. Benjamin Bennett, a doctor who is emotionally distant and preoccupied with his worldview. This family dynamic is poignant, showing how Emily’s condition both isolates her and shapes her connections with others.

Mit Out Sound is a novel that balances nostalgia, mystery, and deep emotional insight while being set in a very interesting place. The story will resonate with those who are interested in the intersection of identity, celebrity, and the search for personal meaning. If you enjoy stories about personal struggle and self-discovery, this novel will be the perfect read for you!

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Rick Lenz and iRead Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.

This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last! Rick Lenz’s Mit Out Sound is a mesmerizing blend of Hollywood mystery, metaphysical intrigue, and complex human relationships. The novel follows Emily Bennett, a would-be movie producer who never believed in the legend of Showdown, a lost film starring James Dean and John Wayne. However, when she encounters two eerily talented celebrity impersonators—Jimmy Riley and Tom "Duke" Manfredo—her skepticism fades. With the discovery of the film’s long-missing master negative, Emily is thrust into a whirlwind journey to complete the film, uncovering more than she ever expected.

What begins as an ambitious filmmaking endeavor quickly becomes something much deeper. As Emily, Jimmy, and Duke navigate a tangled web of past-life connections, artistic ambitions, and romantic entanglements, their relationships mirror the characters they portray. Adding to the turmoil is their enigmatic director, Solange Borugian, whose motives come into question, further fracturing the fragile bonds between the team. Meanwhile, Emily and her brother Ben must confront their own painful history as they grapple with their dying father.

Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Arizona desert, where Apache holy grounds and the magic of cinema blur the lines between reality and fiction, Mit Out Sound is both an engrossing Hollywood mystery and a deeply personal tale of unresolved pasts. Lenz’s rich prose and layered storytelling make for a compelling read, full of intrigue, passion, and existential reflection. Fans of historical Hollywood fiction with a supernatural twist will find much to love in this unique and haunting novel.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a little girl, I’d sit on the floor in the living room, my against the chair my father sat in, the only light illuminating the room coming from the television. The only sound, the actor’s voices. No talking during a western movie. That was when my love for western movies began. And John Wayne. The Duke, loomed larger than life. His baritone drawl. His smile that looks like he knows something you don’t. And his trademark walk. I remembered thinking, I’m gonna marry that man. LOL

Mit Out Sound. Whispers of an unfinished movie starring John Wayne and James Dean. Emily, a woman who can’t seem to let it go. Determined to track down the supposed film and finish it. But how?

Emily meets two impersonators, dead ringers for a young James Dean and John Wayne. She gets her hands on the film. She begins to make the movie. From day one, nothing goes smoothly. Will the film get finished? Should it?

This book checked so many boxes for me. An intriguing mystery. A flawed protagonist. It’s character driven. And has such an original story line. As I read the book, I easily pictured it playing on the big screen. Such fun.

I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

[Prachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This captivating novel is a cinematic adventure of love, loss, and redemption that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Would-be movie producer Emily Bennett is determined to complete the legendary lost movie, Showdown, starring James Dean and John Wayne, and her journey is a treacherous one of self-discovery, love, and redemption. As Emily navigates the complexities of her own past and the demands of her ruthless director, Solange Borugian, she finds herself entangled in a complex love triangle with Oedipal undertones, mirroring her own past lives and off-screen dynamics.

The author masterfully weaves together a richly drawn cast of characters, an intricate plot, and a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry, creating a world that is both fascinating and flawed. The novel's tumultuous finale, set amidst the stunning Apache holy grounds and the magic of day-for-night shooting, will leave you breathless and eager for more. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of cinematic fiction and anyone looking for a captivating novel that will sweep them away into a world of love, loss, and redemption.

[Sam Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Mit Out Sound," the author masterfully weaves an already captivating narrative, drawing from a profound reservoir of personal experiences to animate the characters and dialogue vividly. Each character is meticulously crafted, their emotions laid bare in such a raw and intimate manner that readers often find themselves questioning whether they are witnessing the characters' journeys or peering into the author's own soul.

From the very first page, the reader is pulled into a world where reality and fiction blur seamlessly, making the story resonate on a deeply personal level. The dialogues are not just conversations but heartbeats of the narrative, each exchange echoing with authenticity and depth. This is not just a story; it's an emotional experience that lingers long after the final chapter is closed.

The author’s expertise shines through in every carefully chosen word, creating a tapestry of emotion that is both beautiful and haunting. "Mit Out Sound" is not just a book; it's a journey into the human spirit, expertly crafted to leave an indelible mark on its readers. Prepare to be moved, enchanted, and utterly captivated.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary Fiction is a genre that I enjoy. Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz is the most current book in this genre that I have read. Rick Lenz is a new to me author and I really enjoy reading books from authors for a first time.

I will say that it took me a couple of chapters to really get into the book. Emily Bennett is the main character in this book. She is an aspiring Producer and she is very intrigued when she finds a lost movie that stars James Dean & John Wayne, two legends in Hollywood movies. Emily is preparing to shoot a movie on set in Arizona and the mystery and intrigue behind the scenes has Emily contemplating if she wants to proceed. The impersonators, Jimmy Riley and Tom "Duke" Manfredo, were a wonderful edition to the characters in this book. I really like that the storyline goes back and forth between the past and present. Emily is a wonderful character and I really enjoyed her story. The author has a very creative writing style and I am very interested in reading more from him in the future. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contempory Fiction books with a Hollywood theme. GREAT BOOK!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily Bennett never believed the rumor that Showdown—a 1950s Western supposedly starring John Wayne and James Dean—was real. But when she tracks down the reclusive film editor who may have stolen the original negative, her skepticism turns into obsession.

Determined to finish what history couldn’t, Emily assembles an unlikely cast: two uncannily gifted celebrity impersonators, a fierce and unrelenting director, and her estranged brother, a damaged actor with something to prove. Each of them carries scars from a fractured past, but none more than Emily herself—still reeling from the emotional wreckage of a father who never wanted her.

As production begins in the haunting landscapes of Arizona, strange parallels emerge between the film’s storyline and the crew’s off-screen relationships. Tensions erupt. Alliances shift. And an unexpected love triangle unearths secrets that refuse to stay buried.

What started as an audacious filmmaking gamble becomes a reckoning. With the cameras rolling and tempers flaring, Showdown threatens to become more than a movie—it might be their final shot at healing... or their most spectacular collapse.

[Eleanor Pilcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mit Out Sound is an inventive, emotionally tangled Hollywood-meets-heartache novel that blends lost cinema lore with the psychological unraveling of the people desperate to reclaim it. Rick Lenz pulls readers into a hypnotic world where the hunt for a missing James Dean–John Wayne film becomes the catalyst for characters to confront the ghosts they’ve been avoiding, both literal and emotional.

Emily Bennett is the standout. Her transformation from uncertain would-be producer to someone willing to resurrect Showdown at any cost is layered, believable, and gripping. Jimmy Riley and Duke Manfredo add a surreal brilliance, their uncanny impersonations heightening the story’s tension as love, ego, and past-life echoes crash together.

The Arizona setting, with its Apache holy grounds and atmospheric day-for-night filmmaking, gives the story a cinematic pulse. By the final act, when old wounds, buried animosities, and long-shadowed family truths erupt, the novel delivers a finale as dramatic as any lost Hollywood reel.

A bold, psychologically rich novel about the movies we chase, the demons we deny, and the truths that refuse to stay buried.

[Mitra | myfictionalmusings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood magic, lost films, and a plot that blurs the line between reality and illusion—this book had me HOOKED!

Aspiring producer Emily Bennett stumbles upon a legendary lost movie starring James Dean & John Wayne. Determined to complete Showdown, she dives headfirst into the world of filmmaking, only to uncover secrets, betrayals, and eerie past-life connections. The drama off-screen? Just as intense as what’s happening in front of the camera.

The Arizona setting adds an ethereal, almost mystical vibe, making the story feel cinematic in every way. The characters? Deeply flawed, yet so real. Emily’s journey of ambition, family struggles, and self-discovery hit me right in the feels.

With themes of identity, fate, and the ghosts of Hollywood’s past, this book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, psychological drama, and vintage cinema. If you love stories that transport you, this one is PURE GOLD.

Perfect for fans of classic Hollywood, time-warping mysteries, & character-driven drama!

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wished you could step back into Hollywood’s golden age? Mit Out Sound is a must-read for classic film lovers, blending mystery, romance, and a dash of old-school glamour.

Aspiring producer Emily Bennett stumbles upon a lost film starring James Dean and John Wayne. Determined to complete the project, she teams up with two celebrity impersonators—one channeling Dean, the other embodying Wayne. But as the lines between acting and reality blur, so do matters of the heart. Cue the drama, romance, and a love triangle worthy of the big screen!

✨ Hollywood nostalgia & old-school vibes
✨ Time-warping mystery that keeps you hooked
✨ Complex, layered characters & unexpected twists
✨ A love story with depth and drama

If you love stories that transport you to another era, Mit Out Sound is pure cinematic magic on the page. Perfect for fans of historical fiction, classic films, and books that blur the line between past and present.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tale of the past

I grew up in a tropical country where American movies used to take a month or so before they were released and you got a chance to watch them on the big screen. I still remember the very first American movie that I watched with my Mom was "Indiana Jones". It was a sweet bonding moment with my Mama and my interest in watching American movies never ceased.

I have seen photos of James Dean, but I had no clue what he did in the movie until I read this book. Emily taught me to learn more about the famous character James Dean and his personator. I enjoy the scenery of this book from Los Angeles to Arizona, which is the perfect location to set a movie. The power of the past to solve its mystery is such fun to read. If you love old movies and mystery, Mit Out Sound is a must-read.

[Matt Kelland · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a rewrite of one of his earlier novels, Impersonators Anonymous, adding in more backstory and character development, apparently. I haven't read the previous version, but I'm not sure the new one works: he's trying to tell too many stories at the same time. The basic idea is that John Wayne and James Dean worked on a movie, uncompleted and now lost. Our heroine finds the old footage and sets out to complete the movie using doubles. So far, so good. But then it adds an entire layer of magical realism where the impersonators have conversations with the dead stars. And then there's a whole layer of plot about everyone's childhood traumas. It all becomes too much. It would have been much better if Lenz had stuck to what he knew and told a story about making movies.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that will make your head spin with the complexities of being a human, of having dreams and aspirations, of human relationships and human connections. This is not a break-neck-speed read, and it is not action-packed, but it most definitely is character-packed, and it goes deep. Unique characters, well-written and well-told, and the not-too-happy ending – read it if you dare. You will be sucked into the lives of people you just met within the pages of this book, and they will stay with you for a while. Read it if you have space for more people living rent-free in your head – and it will be totally worth having them there with you for a while.

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎬 This entire novel felt like an old Hollywood vibe. Think of those older gentlemen from The Holiday, and that’s what we’ve got here.

🎬 This was such a unique blend of the history and complexities of film versus modern personal ambitions. It’s a tale of multi-faceted characters and relationships as well as a deeply compelling tale of resolving familial issues.

🎬 Imagine finding the legendary “forgotten” movie of two of the biggest actors of all time, and being presented with a chance to complete it. Toss in some family drama and a dash of romance and what you’re left with is the modern classic tale.

{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mit Out Sound is the talented woven story of Emily Bennett featuring Hollywood and mental health disorders. The characters are flawed and that is what makes them endearing. I felt desperate to dig deeper to discover their demons and secrets. For me discovering more about the characters is what made me keep reading. I did like learning about past Hollywood but that was just a bonus. The plot and narrative are flawless and weave seamlessly into the present times. I admire the authors writing style which is intense to a great depth.

[Debbie Barbee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a mess

It took me so long to read this book and when I did finish I wondered why I bothered. In the start it read like a documentary then when the story finally got going it seemed like it was going to be good. Once the story started rolling the flashes back and the ghost talking along with the characters internal dialogue made it difficult to keep track. I would have to re-read pages to figure out where and who. It sounds like a great idea but, I got lost in the jumble.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives an interesting look at filmmaking in the 1970s. Emily had a lot of work to do to finish an old film starring John Wayne and James Dean with impersonators. There was a lot of personal trauma that connected the characters, and they had to figure out how to cope with it to finish the job. I think fans of John Wayne and James Dean will like this novel!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, murder, cancer, child abuse, car accident

[Marjoriecurtsinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novel in two sittings! Having lived in Los Angeles, and being an avid watcher of old Westerns, this book resonated with me on many levels.
I enjoyed the characters, both the personas they showed the world and their hidden selves. The author has captured a unique time in film history and woven an interesting twist into the past.

[Cheryl Laimon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Mit Out Sound.
The story is very entertaining as it follows several characters, but Emily Bennett being the main character. The backdrop is Hollywood and also Arizona.
It is a great fictional read, a bit of old Hollywood and adventure.
Written as only Rick Lenz can, one of my favorite authors. I predict another best seller for this author.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A missing film will bring her together with two actors and she decides to make the film using them as the stars. The journey to get the film on tape and out for the public to see will be hit by many complications. See if this film makes it to the cinema
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved the twists and turns of their tale

[Michelle Godard-Richer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Hollywood-themed stories, and I loved that this one takes place on set with a distinct cast of characters and interesting subplots. My favorite character was movie producer Emily with her determination to get the movie made despite the drama on set, a ruthless director, and her own family issues. Fans of Hollywood mysteries will enjoy this one.

[Anne L. Lackey]

An interesting read with many aspects: insight into how movies are produced, in psyche of actors, how family history affects, and pearls about human behavior. Fans of John Wayne and James Dean will enjoy this. There's mysteries, a little romance, some surrealism. I enjoyed the book.

[Kim Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lenz starts out slowly, but engages you with deep character insights, via a study of the self and how we treat others. Weaving themes of film and philosophy together deftly, Lenz mines the human experience, exposing self-delusion and self-destruction, as seen through a nostalgic lens.