I Look for You in the Crowd: A Novel

by Michael J. Vaughn

Katie Karlsen is 37 and feeling a little lost when her love of Led Zeppelin leads her to Seth Maze, a sixtysomething drummer for a classic rock cover band. The two become fast friends and concoct Catchy AF, a video series that celebrates lesser-known bands. Although Katie feels a little chagrined when the videos' success benefits everybody but her, she has no idea what remarkable adventures are headed her way. From the author of Mermaids' Tears and the acclaimed rock novel The Guitarist's Girlfriend. "Michael Vaughn has a way of pleasantly surprising you over and over again. He is a master of the plot twist."

463 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2025

About the author

Michael J. Vaughn is the author of 29 novels, including Punks for the Opera and Mermaids' Tears. He is also a fine arts painter, and drummer/vocalist for San Jose's El Camino Revival Band.

Reviews

[Tess Ailshire]

I'm a fan of Vaughn, but I think you almost have to be in order to enjoy this one.

As usual, Vaughn presents the lives of people almost like me and you, living their lives. No one big change, no mental about-face, just people. His ability to articulate what people actually think; his ability to fuse art, music, dance, and thought into something that just feels profound; and his ability to make music and dance almost visual are characteristics that make me enjoy reading his work.

I loved Seth's character; it's Vaughn.

On the other hand, many of his novels, this one included, are just a "slice of life". They don't really start anywhere or go anywhere. They describe vividly - Vaughn's ability to illustrate scenery is masterful - but they don't do anything.

So this was, in my mind, more of same. Would you or I be able to walk among stars or live life without concern for cost? Probably not. Yet we have the same concerns, feelings, and ambitions as these people who do.

I generally recommend folks reading Vaughn start with Popcorn Girl or Gabriella's Voice or Mermaids' Tears. Even A Painting Called Sylvia. Not with this.

[GW]

i Look for you… -

I really disliked this book and came to the conclusion that the characters in this book are the type of people i try to avoid.

[Lynn Zoia]

I enjoyed the book more at the beginning than the last part. Katie seems to fart rainbows, no matter what she does...sing? Like a bird. Start a video series? Makes instant celebs. Write songs? Bravo!
Couldn't drub up much sympathy when she was weeping about her love life.
I felt detached from the characters, most of whom were too adorable, too wonderful for words.
By the time the book was winding down, there seem to be more song lyrics than story.

[Constance R Gabriel]

music is FUNdamental

Michael really brought my back to the Bay Area with this one. I found the story so inspiring and love the adventures that Katie experienced. Maybe a bit of autobiography Seth. 😀. If you are missing the SF Bay Area this book will bring you home for a bit.

[Julie Vandewiele]

I've danced through this one.

This was a fabulous book. I loved all the music! Yes, I heard every song in my mind! I enjoyed the great characters. I am so glad I read this book. It left me smiling.

[Marianne Citraro]

I liked this story of becoming famous by being yourself. I am also a musician and have dabbled in songwriting so this had a nice familiar feel…almost like I could have written it myself. I liked the relationships that Katie had with her friends, family and loves. It was a pleasant read.

[Marie]

make sure to read this!

A great story, sweeps you along and wraps you up in the scenery and the action. Such great characters and action! I recognized lots of the bands and music.

[Joanne Bandfield-Freeman]

So fun!

I absolutely loved this story. I love music and any storyline that involves music makes me happy. The characters were so wonderful and lovable. Great writing.