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Angel City #2
Porno Valley
FINALIST: Best First PI Novel, Shamus Awards
It’s the year 2000 and 78-year-old Mickey O’Rourke has been a Los Angeles PI for a very long time. He’d thought he’d seen it all until the disappearance of porn star Jeffrey Strokes sends him from the sex-filled studios of the San Fernando Valley to the desperate streets of Compton where Mickey’s final case becomes his biggest test.
Flash back to 1998 and struggling hair salon employee Jemeka Johnson, suspecting boyfriend Ray-Ray of infidelity, follows him one night from their East Compton home to what turns out to be a drug deal gone sour where a twist of fate finds Jemeka tossed onto a dark and dangerous path—one that offers huge reward for someone bold enough to seize it.
Meanwhile, in 1999, tired of robbing small-town diners and shooting bad dope in filthy motel rooms, newlyweds Richie and Alabama return to LA in search of the perfect score.
Paths cross and past meets present as bad decisions hurtle toward worse consequences—and no one will ever be the same.
Praise
“Elliott has a real feel for comedic noir in the Elmore Leonard vein.”
—Booklist
“A consistently gripping tale . . . suffused with meticulous details and characters at the mercy of the druggy Southern California underbelly. . . . An infectious sense of humor . . . enthusiastic plot and a swift pace combine with gritty characters in a satisfying thriller.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A blisteringly brilliant ride in the best tradition of comedic-noir crime fiction straight into the sordid twisted underbelly of Los Angeles. . . . Absolutely nails the genre; sublimely descriptive, slightly stylized and . . . told with a veneer of brutal, black humor.”
—IndieReader (starred review)
“A crime fiction delight, with wonderful momentum, intriguing characters, and a satisfyingly solved whodunnit. . . . A complicated picture of desperation, greed, love, and the mistakes that even decent people can make.”
—US Review of Books (starred review)
“Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. . . . Working toward a brutal, bloody denouement, this hard-boiled mystery hurtles from one violent episode to another [which] resolve into a single tale of betrayal, bad decisions, and greed as an aging detective cracks the last, most perplexing case of his career.”
—Foreword Reviews
“Elliott’s similes are beautiful, dialogue brisk and true, and exposition lightweight and similar to screenplay action. . . . If you’re looking for a fun and fast read with fully formed characters scheming in a heart-pounding plot, you can’t do any better than this marvel of a crime novel.”
—Scott Semegran, author of The Benevolent Lords of Sometimes Island
“Masterfully plotted, suspenseful, and populated with uniformly complex characters . . . with a strong sense of atmosphere and a healthy dose of social commentary. A must-read.”
—Mike Thorn, author of Shelter for the Damned
“A nonlinear mystery set in a Y2K LA so rich and character-driven that to call it noir betrays the literary aspects of the story. . . . Rather than a whodunnit, Porno Valley is a why- or howdunnit inside a slick page-turning noir where the sun’s always at high noon.”
—Tex Gresham, Humanitas Prize winner and author of Sunflower
“In this gripping, pulpy noir Elliott showcases his knack for crafting intricately layered stories with resonance. This hellish triptych takes us on a collision course with a cast of tragic characters who, even in their darkest moments, are relatable and sympathetic.”
—Niall Howell, author of Only Pretty Damned
“A fast-moving and ever-changing PI novel. . . . It recalls the best of Michael Connelly as the characters and their problems are spread out on the velvet background of Los Angeles 20 years ago.”
—Steve Aberle, Great Mysteries and Thrillers
It’s the year 2000 and 78-year-old Mickey O’Rourke has been a Los Angeles PI for a very long time. He’d thought he’d seen it all until the disappearance of porn star Jeffrey Strokes sends him from the sex-filled studios of the San Fernando Valley to the desperate streets of Compton where Mickey’s final case becomes his biggest test.
Flash back to 1998 and struggling hair salon employee Jemeka Johnson, suspecting boyfriend Ray-Ray of infidelity, follows him one night from their East Compton home to what turns out to be a drug deal gone sour where a twist of fate finds Jemeka tossed onto a dark and dangerous path—one that offers huge reward for someone bold enough to seize it.
Meanwhile, in 1999, tired of robbing small-town diners and shooting bad dope in filthy motel rooms, newlyweds Richie and Alabama return to LA in search of the perfect score.
Paths cross and past meets present as bad decisions hurtle toward worse consequences—and no one will ever be the same.
Praise
“Elliott has a real feel for comedic noir in the Elmore Leonard vein.”
—Booklist
“A consistently gripping tale . . . suffused with meticulous details and characters at the mercy of the druggy Southern California underbelly. . . . An infectious sense of humor . . . enthusiastic plot and a swift pace combine with gritty characters in a satisfying thriller.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A blisteringly brilliant ride in the best tradition of comedic-noir crime fiction straight into the sordid twisted underbelly of Los Angeles. . . . Absolutely nails the genre; sublimely descriptive, slightly stylized and . . . told with a veneer of brutal, black humor.”
—IndieReader (starred review)
“A crime fiction delight, with wonderful momentum, intriguing characters, and a satisfyingly solved whodunnit. . . . A complicated picture of desperation, greed, love, and the mistakes that even decent people can make.”
—US Review of Books (starred review)
“Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. . . . Working toward a brutal, bloody denouement, this hard-boiled mystery hurtles from one violent episode to another [which] resolve into a single tale of betrayal, bad decisions, and greed as an aging detective cracks the last, most perplexing case of his career.”
—Foreword Reviews
“Elliott’s similes are beautiful, dialogue brisk and true, and exposition lightweight and similar to screenplay action. . . . If you’re looking for a fun and fast read with fully formed characters scheming in a heart-pounding plot, you can’t do any better than this marvel of a crime novel.”
—Scott Semegran, author of The Benevolent Lords of Sometimes Island
“Masterfully plotted, suspenseful, and populated with uniformly complex characters . . . with a strong sense of atmosphere and a healthy dose of social commentary. A must-read.”
—Mike Thorn, author of Shelter for the Damned
“A nonlinear mystery set in a Y2K LA so rich and character-driven that to call it noir betrays the literary aspects of the story. . . . Rather than a whodunnit, Porno Valley is a why- or howdunnit inside a slick page-turning noir where the sun’s always at high noon.”
—Tex Gresham, Humanitas Prize winner and author of Sunflower
“In this gripping, pulpy noir Elliott showcases his knack for crafting intricately layered stories with resonance. This hellish triptych takes us on a collision course with a cast of tragic characters who, even in their darkest moments, are relatable and sympathetic.”
—Niall Howell, author of Only Pretty Damned
“A fast-moving and ever-changing PI novel. . . . It recalls the best of Michael Connelly as the characters and their problems are spread out on the velvet background of Los Angeles 20 years ago.”
—Steve Aberle, Great Mysteries and Thrillers
334 pages, ebook
First published August 24, 2021
76 people want to read
About the author
Philip Elliott
6 books68 followersPhilip Elliott’s fiction features desperate characters on the fringe of society and the systems that swallow them. His first novel won a Crime Writers Canada Award of Excellence and his second was a finalist for a Shamus Award.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 6, 2021
I wish to thank NetGalley and author, Philip Elliot for this hard-boiled, gritty crime novel. At first, I wasn't attracted to a book with Porno Valley as its title. (I admit I am old and old-fashioned and try to avoid erotic literature.) But then I realized its author has written 'Nobody Move', a fast-paced, entertaining, humourous crime thriller that I enjoyed immensely, and I was very pleased when my request for this advanced ebook was granted.
This is a modern take on the old 1940s and 1950's LA Noir. It sinks the reader into the sordid world of porn stars making sexually explicit films in a warehouse in San Fernando Valley. Then it plunges one into the world of the desperate and dangerous world of drug dealers on the streets of Compton. This book seems to portray the authentic and realistic lives of gangsters and porn stars.
It is the year 2000. Mickey O'Rourke' age 78, has worked as a private detective for 50 years. Think of an aged Philip Marlowe. He takes what he believes will be his last case. He is hired by an 18-year-old porn star. She is alluring, erotic, but also sweet and naive. She wants the detective to find her lover, Jeff, an award-winning porn star. He vanished almost a year previously.
In 1998, Jemeka Jackson is a diligent worker in a beauty salon. She wants more from life than her salary provides. When following her boyfriend who she suspects is unfaithful, she stumbles upon a drug deal gone very wrong. Fate has given her the opportunity to turn her life around beyond her wildest dreams. But in what direction?
In 1999, a young married couples' life has reached rock bottom. Richie and Alabama are usually strung out from injecting bad dope, living in dirty, cheap hotels, and robbing roadside diners. They decide to return to LA to enrich their lives by making a big score, give up drugs, and perhaps buy a house.
The story is arranged in a non-linear manner, following separate threads for the main characters. This slowed the pace somewhat for me, but the characters were so well developed that it kept the story compelling. Near the end, it becomes fast-paced and exciting when the characters' threads connected and collided. I especially enjoyed Mickey O'Rourke and his growing fatherly or grandfatherly bond with the porn star who hired him. I was absorbed by the atmospheric portrayal of LA, and his dangerous search through the underbelly of glittery LA and its inhabitants. I hope we meet the old detective again! 3.5 stars raised to 4.
This is a modern take on the old 1940s and 1950's LA Noir. It sinks the reader into the sordid world of porn stars making sexually explicit films in a warehouse in San Fernando Valley. Then it plunges one into the world of the desperate and dangerous world of drug dealers on the streets of Compton. This book seems to portray the authentic and realistic lives of gangsters and porn stars.
It is the year 2000. Mickey O'Rourke' age 78, has worked as a private detective for 50 years. Think of an aged Philip Marlowe. He takes what he believes will be his last case. He is hired by an 18-year-old porn star. She is alluring, erotic, but also sweet and naive. She wants the detective to find her lover, Jeff, an award-winning porn star. He vanished almost a year previously.
In 1998, Jemeka Jackson is a diligent worker in a beauty salon. She wants more from life than her salary provides. When following her boyfriend who she suspects is unfaithful, she stumbles upon a drug deal gone very wrong. Fate has given her the opportunity to turn her life around beyond her wildest dreams. But in what direction?
In 1999, a young married couples' life has reached rock bottom. Richie and Alabama are usually strung out from injecting bad dope, living in dirty, cheap hotels, and robbing roadside diners. They decide to return to LA to enrich their lives by making a big score, give up drugs, and perhaps buy a house.
The story is arranged in a non-linear manner, following separate threads for the main characters. This slowed the pace somewhat for me, but the characters were so well developed that it kept the story compelling. Near the end, it becomes fast-paced and exciting when the characters' threads connected and collided. I especially enjoyed Mickey O'Rourke and his growing fatherly or grandfatherly bond with the porn star who hired him. I was absorbed by the atmospheric portrayal of LA, and his dangerous search through the underbelly of glittery LA and its inhabitants. I hope we meet the old detective again! 3.5 stars raised to 4.
January 8, 2022
An aging private detective taking on his final case, a young porn star desperate to know what’s happened to her missing ex-boyfriend, a pair of drug addicts seeking an escape from their grim existence and an ambitious hairdresser who spots an opportunity to make some serious money. Their stories are told in rotational sections but we won’t know how they are to come together – as surely they must – until quite late on in this tale.
The broad story – I won’t go into spoiler detail – is that Los Angeles PI Mickey O’Rourke is hired to find Jeffery Strokes a porn star who has seemingly vanished without warning. We then step back twelve months to follow the activities of Richie and Alabama, who are undertaking ever more desperate acts to feed their drug habit. And a further year before that we meet up with Jemeka, a hairdresser, who with her boyfriend is to experience a violent meeting with a drug dealer. The action primarily takes place in and around the sex film studios of the San Fernando Valley and on the mean streets of Compton. Each strand is interesting in and of itself, with a good mixture of humour, suspense and sometimes real sadness.
As with all stories of this type, the major appeal for me is in meeting interesting characters who are believable and who I can and invest in. Here, I believed in every one of them and moreover I ultimately cared about the fate of each of them. Surprisingly, this is true even for those who undertook some pretty unsavoury and often violent acts - the author has pulled off a neat trick in this respect. The dialogue is smart and the action is brilliantly brought to life but the cleverest bit is how the various strands overlay in a way the maintained my interest and yet held back how they were to become ultimately interrelated. When it eventually came together it all made sense and led to an exciting finale in which I wasn’t sure who to root for the most.
I’d previously read and enjoyed Elliott’s first book Nobody Move, but this one is a clear step up and, for me, marks him out as a writer I’ll most definitely follow going forward.
My thanks to Into the Void and NetGalley for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The broad story – I won’t go into spoiler detail – is that Los Angeles PI Mickey O’Rourke is hired to find Jeffery Strokes a porn star who has seemingly vanished without warning. We then step back twelve months to follow the activities of Richie and Alabama, who are undertaking ever more desperate acts to feed their drug habit. And a further year before that we meet up with Jemeka, a hairdresser, who with her boyfriend is to experience a violent meeting with a drug dealer. The action primarily takes place in and around the sex film studios of the San Fernando Valley and on the mean streets of Compton. Each strand is interesting in and of itself, with a good mixture of humour, suspense and sometimes real sadness.
As with all stories of this type, the major appeal for me is in meeting interesting characters who are believable and who I can and invest in. Here, I believed in every one of them and moreover I ultimately cared about the fate of each of them. Surprisingly, this is true even for those who undertook some pretty unsavoury and often violent acts - the author has pulled off a neat trick in this respect. The dialogue is smart and the action is brilliantly brought to life but the cleverest bit is how the various strands overlay in a way the maintained my interest and yet held back how they were to become ultimately interrelated. When it eventually came together it all made sense and led to an exciting finale in which I wasn’t sure who to root for the most.
I’d previously read and enjoyed Elliott’s first book Nobody Move, but this one is a clear step up and, for me, marks him out as a writer I’ll most definitely follow going forward.
My thanks to Into the Void and NetGalley for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2022
Because I'm far behind in my Netgalley reads, by the time I started this one I had forgotten that a GR friend recommended I read 'Nobody Move' by the same author first which would make sense seeing as it's the first book in this series. But, as I said, I forgot and it didn't really hamper my enjoyment of Porno Valley. I plan to read the first book though when I get a chance.
Although the title of this book could be off-putting and there is some explicit language and descriptive scenes, I was amused by parts of the story and had to chuckle picturing a 78-year-old man (our intrepid private eye) wandering around during a porno shoot. Mickey O'Rourke is the private investigator in question (not to be confused with Mickey Rourke, the actor) and seems to be pretty unflappable. He's hired by a 18-year-old porn star to find her ex-boyfriend, also a porn star, who has disappeared.
Philip Elliott's writing reminds me a lot of the few Elmore Leonard books I've read and I was very entertained. The story takes place over three different timelines following a different set of characters in each timeline until their paths converge. The characters are developed well and very realistic in my limited experience of this type of 'noir' and it was a smooth read. I look forward to reading book 1 as well as any subsequent books in this series.
Two of my first three books of 2022 are by Canadian authors. What a country!
My thanks to Into the Void and Netgalley for the chance to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. The book was published in August 2021.
Although the title of this book could be off-putting and there is some explicit language and descriptive scenes, I was amused by parts of the story and had to chuckle picturing a 78-year-old man (our intrepid private eye) wandering around during a porno shoot. Mickey O'Rourke is the private investigator in question (not to be confused with Mickey Rourke, the actor) and seems to be pretty unflappable. He's hired by a 18-year-old porn star to find her ex-boyfriend, also a porn star, who has disappeared.
Philip Elliott's writing reminds me a lot of the few Elmore Leonard books I've read and I was very entertained. The story takes place over three different timelines following a different set of characters in each timeline until their paths converge. The characters are developed well and very realistic in my limited experience of this type of 'noir' and it was a smooth read. I look forward to reading book 1 as well as any subsequent books in this series.
Two of my first three books of 2022 are by Canadian authors. What a country!
My thanks to Into the Void and Netgalley for the chance to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. The book was published in August 2021.
May 7, 2021
Maybe more like 4.5. I couldn't put it down. Also, I didn't expect a hard-boiled private investigator story to make me cry, but... here we are.
I received a copy from Netgalley and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to check this out.
So. This is the second book I've read by this author. At this point, I feel like I can safely assume I'm going to enjoy anything he writes. His style is just right for the genre. Spare, but with the occasional use of the perfect descriptive phrase. Usually metaphor makes me gag, but here? Ugh. Masterful.
The plot was well paced, carefully constructed, and incredibly tense. There are three timelines on the go (1998, 1999, 2000), but it's easy to keep track. It's seriously stressful, though, because you know that when it all comes together, it's going to be brutal. Like I said before, I didn't expect to well up, but that one scene... a lump most decidedly formed in my throat and my eyes started leaking. It was surprisingly emotional.
There were some lighter moments, too, and some nice detective work, and a couple of scenes that were genuinely upsetting.
Mickey, the PI protagonist, is a great character. He's fully fleshed out and if not relatable, certainly recognizable. Likewise, the rest of the cast were equally well developed, even the minor characters. They were believable. We could see and understand their motivations and behaviors. The villain of the piece was particularly interesting. Loathsome, but interesting.
The one thing that bothered me was the open ending. Not the epilogue, which was great, but just before that. It was realistic enough, but it was also... frustrating and unsatisfying. There was a bit of a twist that came as a huge shock, and left me with a sour taste in my mouth, you know,?
But yeah, overall? This was really good.
I received a copy from Netgalley and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to check this out.
So. This is the second book I've read by this author. At this point, I feel like I can safely assume I'm going to enjoy anything he writes. His style is just right for the genre. Spare, but with the occasional use of the perfect descriptive phrase. Usually metaphor makes me gag, but here? Ugh. Masterful.
The plot was well paced, carefully constructed, and incredibly tense. There are three timelines on the go (1998, 1999, 2000), but it's easy to keep track. It's seriously stressful, though, because you know that when it all comes together, it's going to be brutal. Like I said before, I didn't expect to well up, but that one scene... a lump most decidedly formed in my throat and my eyes started leaking. It was surprisingly emotional.
There were some lighter moments, too, and some nice detective work, and a couple of scenes that were genuinely upsetting.
Mickey, the PI protagonist, is a great character. He's fully fleshed out and if not relatable, certainly recognizable. Likewise, the rest of the cast were equally well developed, even the minor characters. They were believable. We could see and understand their motivations and behaviors. The villain of the piece was particularly interesting. Loathsome, but interesting.
The one thing that bothered me was the open ending. Not the epilogue, which was great, but just before that. It was realistic enough, but it was also... frustrating and unsatisfying. There was a bit of a twist that came as a huge shock, and left me with a sour taste in my mouth, you know,?
But yeah, overall? This was really good.
August 13, 2021
4.5 stars
Another gritty and raw novel written in the style of a 1940s/50s film noir from Philip Elliot that transported me to Los Angeles circa 1998-2000. I left a few years before that, but many of the places he included in this book (like Tower Records) were quite familiar to me. This book dives into the world of sex, drugs, and violence, and puts the main character, Private Eye Mickey, on the trail of a missing porn star. The author does a great job creating characters that are complex and a product of the environment they grew up in. Some are a bit more "bad apples" than others, but I found myself having empathy for quite a few of the characters in this book who broke quite a few laws, including murder. I loved Mickey and learning about his background, and loved watching him connect the dots. The author wrote this in chapters that bounced around the past and the present that slowly led to the answers that Mickey dug up. There were definitely some surprises for me, but it all made total sense. The ending is somewhat up in the air, which is rather unsatisfying for me (and why I rounded down rather than up), but I'm going to try to be optimistic for the main players in this one. Then again, film noir rarely had a happy ending, so perhaps not. If you are a fan of dark and gritty crime novels, you should definitely check out this one.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another gritty and raw novel written in the style of a 1940s/50s film noir from Philip Elliot that transported me to Los Angeles circa 1998-2000. I left a few years before that, but many of the places he included in this book (like Tower Records) were quite familiar to me. This book dives into the world of sex, drugs, and violence, and puts the main character, Private Eye Mickey, on the trail of a missing porn star. The author does a great job creating characters that are complex and a product of the environment they grew up in. Some are a bit more "bad apples" than others, but I found myself having empathy for quite a few of the characters in this book who broke quite a few laws, including murder. I loved Mickey and learning about his background, and loved watching him connect the dots. The author wrote this in chapters that bounced around the past and the present that slowly led to the answers that Mickey dug up. There were definitely some surprises for me, but it all made total sense. The ending is somewhat up in the air, which is rather unsatisfying for me (and why I rounded down rather than up), but I'm going to try to be optimistic for the main players in this one. Then again, film noir rarely had a happy ending, so perhaps not. If you are a fan of dark and gritty crime novels, you should definitely check out this one.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2021
Porno Valley is the second book by Philip Elliot in the Angel City series. I haven't read the first novel but enjoyed the second story about Los Angeles Private Detective Mickey O'Rourke, who is on the verge of retirement. Mickey's last case investigates the disappearance of porn star Jeffery Stokes and delves into the ugly world of drugs, sex and violence. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC.
October 4, 2021
I'm still processing this little gem. But my initial feelings are this book made me feel like I was a kid again, watching a 70s movie that I shouldn't be seeing while my parents were away. And yet, at the same time, it's filled with fresh ideas and concepts. I think I might like this one even better than Nobody Move.
Though Mickey is the most likable character here, ALL the characters feel fleshed out and real, raw and relatable (well, nearly, yes). But it's Mickey who gives the book heart and without him it wouldn't be as good.
Be prepared for gritty (well-written) pulp along the lines of Tarantino or Leonard, with a good punch near the end.
Looking forward to more west coast tales from Elliott!
Though Mickey is the most likable character here, ALL the characters feel fleshed out and real, raw and relatable (well, nearly, yes). But it's Mickey who gives the book heart and without him it wouldn't be as good.
Be prepared for gritty (well-written) pulp along the lines of Tarantino or Leonard, with a good punch near the end.
Looking forward to more west coast tales from Elliott!
July 1, 2021
Porno Valley is the latest novel from award-winning author Philip Elliott, a fast-paced book of hard-boiled, crime fiction. The book description from the publisher describes it best: “It’s the year 2000 and 78-year-old Mickey O’Rourke has been a Los Angeles PI for a very long time. He’d thought he’d seen it all until the disappearance of porn star Jeffrey Strokes sends him from the sex-filled studios of the San Fernando Valley to the desperate streets of Compton where Mickey’s final case becomes his biggest test.” In addition to O’Rourke, there are several key (mostly bad) players: Jemeka, Ray-Ray, Richie, Alabama, Riccardo, Marcellus, and so many more. There are many sordid decisions, double-crosses, and violent moves which makes for a fast and fun read.
Elliott is a skilled writer with an excellent ability to turn a phrase. His similes are beautiful at times. The dialog is brisk and true. And the exposition is light-weight and very similar to screenplay action. Comparisons to Elmore Leonard are not far from the mark. If there was one detraction, then it is Elliott’s admiration for Quentin Tarantino flicks which he unabashedly wears on his sleeves, even naming some of his characters after Tarantino characters (Alabama and Marcellus). Elliott doesn’t need to do this as his work is strong enough to stand on its own without the direct reference. His 78-year old protagonist, Mickey O’Rourke, could carry a whole other novel of literary fiction if Elliott ever chose to do so, his deep well of remorse and grief for his recently deceased wife and his cantankerous demeanor towards the others in his orbit would make a worthy character to explore in-depth in a character-driven work. Porno Valley is an exceptional follow-up to his previous novel, Nobody Move. If you’re looking for a fun and fast read with fully formed characters scheming in a heart-pounding plot, then you can’t do any better than this indie marvel of a crime novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I highly recommend it. I would give this novel 5 stars.
Elliott is a skilled writer with an excellent ability to turn a phrase. His similes are beautiful at times. The dialog is brisk and true. And the exposition is light-weight and very similar to screenplay action. Comparisons to Elmore Leonard are not far from the mark. If there was one detraction, then it is Elliott’s admiration for Quentin Tarantino flicks which he unabashedly wears on his sleeves, even naming some of his characters after Tarantino characters (Alabama and Marcellus). Elliott doesn’t need to do this as his work is strong enough to stand on its own without the direct reference. His 78-year old protagonist, Mickey O’Rourke, could carry a whole other novel of literary fiction if Elliott ever chose to do so, his deep well of remorse and grief for his recently deceased wife and his cantankerous demeanor towards the others in his orbit would make a worthy character to explore in-depth in a character-driven work. Porno Valley is an exceptional follow-up to his previous novel, Nobody Move. If you’re looking for a fun and fast read with fully formed characters scheming in a heart-pounding plot, then you can’t do any better than this indie marvel of a crime novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I highly recommend it. I would give this novel 5 stars.
August 24, 2021
Porno Valley by Philip Elliott is the second entry of his superb Angel City Private Investigation novels. It unfolds like an old-time Los Angeles noir novel a la Raymond Chandler. It is populated with eclectic characters ranging from the erotic but innocent 18-year-old porn star to the all too real gangsters populating the city’s most grim and dangerous areas. Not only is the reader treated to a fast-moving and ever-changing PI novel but is also introduced to a multiplicity of three-dimensional characters who are striving for money, happiness, and freedom. On the way, some sell drugs, make porn, and even help to find a missing person.
Porno valley is an entertaining and eye-opening novel. It recalls the best of Michael Connelly as our characters and their problems are spread out on the velvet background of Los Angeles 20 years ago. Reading Porno Valley is a lot like the city itself. Good fortune lingers on every block but that is obscured by drugs, crime, sex, and the overall desperation of those in Porno Valley whose ambition exceeds their reach.
Porno valley is an exciting entry into what is sure to become a memorable series. Philip Elliott is a writer to be watched and Porno Valley is his coming-out party.
Porno valley is an entertaining and eye-opening novel. It recalls the best of Michael Connelly as our characters and their problems are spread out on the velvet background of Los Angeles 20 years ago. Reading Porno Valley is a lot like the city itself. Good fortune lingers on every block but that is obscured by drugs, crime, sex, and the overall desperation of those in Porno Valley whose ambition exceeds their reach.
Porno valley is an exciting entry into what is sure to become a memorable series. Philip Elliott is a writer to be watched and Porno Valley is his coming-out party.
July 7, 2021
A new author for me, congratulations on a superb funny mystery, I loved this book. The pace of the story is fabulous, with characters that are relatable and realistic, the emotions jump off the pages.
Delving into the low lives and undesirables, Mickey is a thorough and believable investigator, well worth reading!
Thank you and well done Philip Elliott, I wondered what exactly was between the covers of a book titled ’Porno Valley’, I assumed the seedy side of life, very well written!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Delving into the low lives and undesirables, Mickey is a thorough and believable investigator, well worth reading!
Thank you and well done Philip Elliott, I wondered what exactly was between the covers of a book titled ’Porno Valley’, I assumed the seedy side of life, very well written!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 21, 2021
Philip Elliott is a supremely gifted storyteller; his latest novel, Porno Valley, is masterfully plotted, suspenseful, and populated with uniformly complex characters. Setting its eyes on a turn-of-the-century Los Angeles whose glossy surfaces mask desperation, addiction, and violence, this absorbing tale is also imbued with a strong sense of atmosphere and a healthy dose of social commentary. A must-read.
September 10, 2021
A gripping pulpy thriller. Elliott showcases his knack for crafting intricately layered stories with resonance. This hellish triptych takes us on a collision course with a cast of tragic characters who, even in their darkest moments, are relatable and sympathetic.
June 28, 2021
I didn't read the first book but I appreciated this one as it's gripping entertaining. Good characters, solid plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 1, 2021
Philip Elliott is a master of pulp-fiction, neo-noir prose. Porno Valley comes as the hotly anticipated second entry in the Angel City Novel collection, following on from the critically-acclaimed debut, Nobody Move.
This latest novel surpasses the high bar that was set by Nobody Move. Chock full of intertwining narratives, alternate timelines, and fun, engaging characters driving the plot forwards, this book has a lot to offer an array of readers.
For me, the star of the show is the character Mickey—an old and tired, yet sharp private detective—who embodies the toll of being a detective in a city so rampant with crime as Los Angeles. There's a sadness that never leaves him, and wisdom behind his every move, which both subtly come through as Elliott writes.
In conclusion, I would recommend this to anyone who loves crime fiction, noir, and pulp fiction, however I think a wide variety of individuals would find it a fun, engaging read.
This latest novel surpasses the high bar that was set by Nobody Move. Chock full of intertwining narratives, alternate timelines, and fun, engaging characters driving the plot forwards, this book has a lot to offer an array of readers.
For me, the star of the show is the character Mickey—an old and tired, yet sharp private detective—who embodies the toll of being a detective in a city so rampant with crime as Los Angeles. There's a sadness that never leaves him, and wisdom behind his every move, which both subtly come through as Elliott writes.
In conclusion, I would recommend this to anyone who loves crime fiction, noir, and pulp fiction, however I think a wide variety of individuals would find it a fun, engaging read.
March 10, 2022
**review of a review copy from author***
I was initially hesitant to read the copy due to Goodreads listing "Porno Valley" as a second in a series. But I decided to give it a try, and found that the series is only connected by location. The story reads like a Tarantino movie, with a few nods to the writer/director, taking place over three time lines that weaves into a story that is well written and enjoyable.
I was initially hesitant to read the copy due to Goodreads listing "Porno Valley" as a second in a series. But I decided to give it a try, and found that the series is only connected by location. The story reads like a Tarantino movie, with a few nods to the writer/director, taking place over three time lines that weaves into a story that is well written and enjoyable.
December 8, 2021
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
It is the year 2000 and Los Angeles P.I. Mickey O’Rourke, 78 years old, thought he had seen and done it all in his very long career as a private investigator. He’s planning to retire after this, the last case he plans to take. But this is one case that will really test his detective skills as heads to porn studios in the San Fernando Valley where an 18 year old porn starlet hires O’Rourke to look into the disappearance of her boyfriend … porn’s male mega-star, Jeffrey Strokes. His search will take him many places, including the dangerous streets of Compton, California.
I don’t want to say too much about this book because part of the enjoyment of a book like this is the journey and the reader should go in as fresh and open as possible.
This is the second book in a series – at least a trilogy I’d guess, based on the cliff-hanger ending – but the only thing that made it seem like there was something before this book was the recognition of some of the characters toward one another, otherwise I really didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.
I found the book to be written in an unusual format. The book uses flashbacks to help tell the story, but those flashbacks only go back two years at the most. That’s a little bit unusual, but it speaks to the nature of this case and that Jeffrey Strokes has gone missing recently – this isn’t a cold case.
What’s unusual is that the flashbacks, which must make up half the book, don’t include our central figure – Mickey O’Rourke. Not only that, but it appears to be three different, non-linear stories which we assume will converge at some point in the book. But following these different storylines and characters and timeframes requires a little extra work on the part of the reader.
I wasn’t particularly fond of this style for much of the book, and then O’Rourke says something that put it in perspective for me. When the porn starlet (Bethany) asks O’Rourke how he can do this sort of job when he sees humanity at its worst he says,
I do this job by following the clues, one after another, until the case is done. It’s not like the movies. There are rarely gunshots or explosions, bad guys hunting you down. You follow a lead to where it takes you. Most times it takes you to a dead end and you have to return to the beginning and follow another. Usually, you have to follow dozens of leads before you get anywhere. But, sometimes, you get lucky, and every door you open leads you to another until, finally, you stumble upon the truth.
This is when I realized that those chapters that were flashbacks were ‘the doors you open’ O’Rourke was talking about. Rather than reading about O’Rourke being given these bits of information through his searches, we get to see those pieces of information in action. It’s actually pretty clever (though still a tad hard to follow).
Even though the book has maybe four (false?) endings (you read a chapter and think “Oh, that’s a nice way to end,” and then there’s another chapter) there’s a pretty clear set-up for another book, and yes, I want to read it. I also need to find the first book in the series.
The book is a nice nod to the noir detective fiction of the 50’s (Mickey Spillane, Dashiell Hammett, James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, etc) while staying firmly rooted in our modern world (well… twenty year old, modern).
Looking for a good book? Porno Valley by Philip Elliott is the second book in a series, but can stand alone (except for the cliffhanger). It features a slow but methodical, septuagenarian looking for a missing male porn star.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
It is the year 2000 and Los Angeles P.I. Mickey O’Rourke, 78 years old, thought he had seen and done it all in his very long career as a private investigator. He’s planning to retire after this, the last case he plans to take. But this is one case that will really test his detective skills as heads to porn studios in the San Fernando Valley where an 18 year old porn starlet hires O’Rourke to look into the disappearance of her boyfriend … porn’s male mega-star, Jeffrey Strokes. His search will take him many places, including the dangerous streets of Compton, California.
I don’t want to say too much about this book because part of the enjoyment of a book like this is the journey and the reader should go in as fresh and open as possible.
This is the second book in a series – at least a trilogy I’d guess, based on the cliff-hanger ending – but the only thing that made it seem like there was something before this book was the recognition of some of the characters toward one another, otherwise I really didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.
I found the book to be written in an unusual format. The book uses flashbacks to help tell the story, but those flashbacks only go back two years at the most. That’s a little bit unusual, but it speaks to the nature of this case and that Jeffrey Strokes has gone missing recently – this isn’t a cold case.
What’s unusual is that the flashbacks, which must make up half the book, don’t include our central figure – Mickey O’Rourke. Not only that, but it appears to be three different, non-linear stories which we assume will converge at some point in the book. But following these different storylines and characters and timeframes requires a little extra work on the part of the reader.
I wasn’t particularly fond of this style for much of the book, and then O’Rourke says something that put it in perspective for me. When the porn starlet (Bethany) asks O’Rourke how he can do this sort of job when he sees humanity at its worst he says,
I do this job by following the clues, one after another, until the case is done. It’s not like the movies. There are rarely gunshots or explosions, bad guys hunting you down. You follow a lead to where it takes you. Most times it takes you to a dead end and you have to return to the beginning and follow another. Usually, you have to follow dozens of leads before you get anywhere. But, sometimes, you get lucky, and every door you open leads you to another until, finally, you stumble upon the truth.
This is when I realized that those chapters that were flashbacks were ‘the doors you open’ O’Rourke was talking about. Rather than reading about O’Rourke being given these bits of information through his searches, we get to see those pieces of information in action. It’s actually pretty clever (though still a tad hard to follow).
Even though the book has maybe four (false?) endings (you read a chapter and think “Oh, that’s a nice way to end,” and then there’s another chapter) there’s a pretty clear set-up for another book, and yes, I want to read it. I also need to find the first book in the series.
The book is a nice nod to the noir detective fiction of the 50’s (Mickey Spillane, Dashiell Hammett, James M. Cain, Raymond Chandler, etc) while staying firmly rooted in our modern world (well… twenty year old, modern).
Looking for a good book? Porno Valley by Philip Elliott is the second book in a series, but can stand alone (except for the cliffhanger). It features a slow but methodical, septuagenarian looking for a missing male porn star.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2022
In the year 2000, Mickey O’Rourke has been a private detective for 50 years, and he’s damn good at it. At 78 years old and ready to retire, Mickey takes one last client: Bethany, a porn star with a missing boyfriend in San Fernando Valley - home of MidnightPussy Studios. Jeff Strokes (also a porn star) has not been seen or heard from in some time.
In 1999, Richie and Alabama, two heroin junkies in love, rob diners and tourists in order to feed their habit. Alabama wants a simple life, a home with Richie, and to get clean before the addiction kills then. Richie wants to give Alabama the life she deserves and he’ll find a way to pay for it any way he can.
In 1998, Jameka, a struggling hair stylist in Compton, is looking for any way to get out from under debt and pay her bills.
Mickey’s investigation into Jeff uncovers a much bigger picture than he could have planned. When Jameka finds herself in the middle of a drug deal gone wrong, she sets forth a series of events that have a greater impact than just her own life and safety. In this fast paced detective novel, Mickey has to put together these three completely separate stories to find out what happened to Jeff.
This book takes three stories that could not be more different and as Mickey connects the pieces he uncovers the violence, drug trafficking, murder, and struggle for power in 90s Los Angeles. Elliot touches on systemic racism and the power dynamic between the drug dealers and police. His characters are diverse, if not a bit stereotypical. His writing is engaging but not overly descriptive. Mickey is a classic, old-school detective who can’t give up the life when a pretty girl is in distress. Richie is a fidgety heroin-addict with a bad temper and a gun. Jameka is a struggling black woman in Compton tossed into the life of drugs which she swore she’d never get involved in.
Each character has their own internal conflict that they can either overcome or lean into. The reader will find that character development isn’t always in the positive direction.
In 1999, Richie and Alabama, two heroin junkies in love, rob diners and tourists in order to feed their habit. Alabama wants a simple life, a home with Richie, and to get clean before the addiction kills then. Richie wants to give Alabama the life she deserves and he’ll find a way to pay for it any way he can.
In 1998, Jameka, a struggling hair stylist in Compton, is looking for any way to get out from under debt and pay her bills.
Mickey’s investigation into Jeff uncovers a much bigger picture than he could have planned. When Jameka finds herself in the middle of a drug deal gone wrong, she sets forth a series of events that have a greater impact than just her own life and safety. In this fast paced detective novel, Mickey has to put together these three completely separate stories to find out what happened to Jeff.
This book takes three stories that could not be more different and as Mickey connects the pieces he uncovers the violence, drug trafficking, murder, and struggle for power in 90s Los Angeles. Elliot touches on systemic racism and the power dynamic between the drug dealers and police. His characters are diverse, if not a bit stereotypical. His writing is engaging but not overly descriptive. Mickey is a classic, old-school detective who can’t give up the life when a pretty girl is in distress. Richie is a fidgety heroin-addict with a bad temper and a gun. Jameka is a struggling black woman in Compton tossed into the life of drugs which she swore she’d never get involved in.
Each character has their own internal conflict that they can either overcome or lean into. The reader will find that character development isn’t always in the positive direction.
December 13, 2023
Este excelente romance "noir" ambientado na Cidade dos Anjos alterna a narrativa em três linhas do tempo diferentes. A primeira se passa em 1998, e conta a história do jovem casal negro Jemeka e Ray-Ray, moradores do violento bairro de Compton, que, por curvas imprevistas do destino, se vê envolvido no lucrativo negócio de tráfico de cocaína. A segunda linha do tempo se passa em 1999, e narra a história do casal "white trash" Richie e Alabama, dois viciados em heroína que sobrevivem de pequenos assaltos a lanchonetes e lojas de conveniência, e que decidem retornar a LA para tentar um grande golpe que os faça mudar de vida. A terceira linha narrativa se passa em 2000 e conta a história de Mickey O'Rourke, um detetive particular quase octagenário que aceita um último trabalho antes de se aposentar: encontrar o astro pornô Jeffrey Strokes, que desapareceu sem deixar vestígios cerca de um ano antes.
Como não poderia deixar de ser, os caminhos dos personagens das três linhas narrativas vão aos poucos se cruzando, numa rede muito bem construída pelo escritor irlandês Philip Elliott, num estilo cinematográfico que lembra muito filmes como "Pulp Fiction". Aliás, Tarantino é claramente uma grande inspiração aqui, tanto pelos diálogos espertos recheados de citações à cultura pop, tanto pelos personagens do submundo de encontrando e se confrontando no cenário de Los Angeles. O autor inclusive às vezes exagera nas homenagens: a garota parceira no crime PRECISAVA se chamar Alabama? O mafioso negro PRECISAVA se chamar Marsellus? O astro pornô maconheiro e cabeça-de-vento que lembra claramente o personagem "The Dude" de "O Grande Lebowski" PRECISAVA se chamar Jeff?
Mas tudo é perdoado, porque a leitura é deliciosa: tensa e divertida na medida certa, com personagens cativantes, uma pulp fiction de respeito, difícil de largar do início até o fim. Daria um excelente filme, inclusive.
Como não poderia deixar de ser, os caminhos dos personagens das três linhas narrativas vão aos poucos se cruzando, numa rede muito bem construída pelo escritor irlandês Philip Elliott, num estilo cinematográfico que lembra muito filmes como "Pulp Fiction". Aliás, Tarantino é claramente uma grande inspiração aqui, tanto pelos diálogos espertos recheados de citações à cultura pop, tanto pelos personagens do submundo de encontrando e se confrontando no cenário de Los Angeles. O autor inclusive às vezes exagera nas homenagens: a garota parceira no crime PRECISAVA se chamar Alabama? O mafioso negro PRECISAVA se chamar Marsellus? O astro pornô maconheiro e cabeça-de-vento que lembra claramente o personagem "The Dude" de "O Grande Lebowski" PRECISAVA se chamar Jeff?
Mas tudo é perdoado, porque a leitura é deliciosa: tensa e divertida na medida certa, com personagens cativantes, uma pulp fiction de respeito, difícil de largar do início até o fim. Daria um excelente filme, inclusive.
July 22, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Into the Void for an advanced copy of this comedic caper mystery.
Philip Elliot's second book in the Angel City series, Porno Valley, takes place over three years, in that city of magic and wonder, scum and villainy Los Angles. Each year, 1998, 1999 and finally 2000 focuses on one of two in love couples trying get by, with year 2000 focusing on a missing person and the detective trying to find him.
A famous porn star has gone missing. A private eye, at age 78 and widowed for one year takes one last case, bringing him to an even 50 years on the job takes the case. His investigation leads him to two couple, who we meet in various years, one couple living the life of addicted hustlers, the second getting deeper and deeper into a world, one character finds themselves very good at. Both are in love, both do things for love that have tragic results. Crimes are committed, bodies pile up a plenty, and a strangely sentimental story is told.
The book moves along well, even with the jumping from year to year. My only real problem is the sheer love of 90's movies that permeates the book. Quentin Tarantino, True Romance, Boogie Nights, even the characters names are all really really familiar. The book is really more of a pastiche, which is fine. There is a epigraph in Mr. Elliot's first book, Nobody Move, from Quentin Tarantino that admits where his influences arose. This was an enjoyable book, especially for noir fans, or film fans of a certain genre. I look forward to other books by Mr. Elliot.
Philip Elliot's second book in the Angel City series, Porno Valley, takes place over three years, in that city of magic and wonder, scum and villainy Los Angles. Each year, 1998, 1999 and finally 2000 focuses on one of two in love couples trying get by, with year 2000 focusing on a missing person and the detective trying to find him.
A famous porn star has gone missing. A private eye, at age 78 and widowed for one year takes one last case, bringing him to an even 50 years on the job takes the case. His investigation leads him to two couple, who we meet in various years, one couple living the life of addicted hustlers, the second getting deeper and deeper into a world, one character finds themselves very good at. Both are in love, both do things for love that have tragic results. Crimes are committed, bodies pile up a plenty, and a strangely sentimental story is told.
The book moves along well, even with the jumping from year to year. My only real problem is the sheer love of 90's movies that permeates the book. Quentin Tarantino, True Romance, Boogie Nights, even the characters names are all really really familiar. The book is really more of a pastiche, which is fine. There is a epigraph in Mr. Elliot's first book, Nobody Move, from Quentin Tarantino that admits where his influences arose. This was an enjoyable book, especially for noir fans, or film fans of a certain genre. I look forward to other books by Mr. Elliot.
August 14, 2021
A (too) heavy dose of Tarantino, a splash of Elmore Leonard, and a modicum of old-school pulp fiction come together in Porno Valley by Philip Elliott.
Fun in an absurdist, dark comedy kind of way. If you like over-the-top, oddball characters who talk in movie dialogue and live in a Tarantino-esque world of self-indulgence then this is the one for you. It's not bad, just a bit derivative - the author seems to be close to finding his own style, but hasn't quite got there yet (the frequent pop culture references are more tedious than tantalizing).
A septuagenarian private detective takes on one last case before retirement. A couple of criminal junkies try to find their way to the big score. A hairdresser's mistrust of her scheming boyfriend leads them both into dangerous territory. These three stories are told in parallel narratives across different timelines before they all come crashing together.
It's good fun. Plot holes the size of swimming-pools require extreme amounts of suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader. This is not your "go to" book if you want something deep or meaningful but if you're looking for the modern equivalent of a pulse-pounding pulp crime story this is the one.
Not for children or sensitive readers. Adult content, strong language, graphic violence, drug use, etc. This one is definitely rated R.
Fun in an absurdist, dark comedy kind of way. If you like over-the-top, oddball characters who talk in movie dialogue and live in a Tarantino-esque world of self-indulgence then this is the one for you. It's not bad, just a bit derivative - the author seems to be close to finding his own style, but hasn't quite got there yet (the frequent pop culture references are more tedious than tantalizing).
A septuagenarian private detective takes on one last case before retirement. A couple of criminal junkies try to find their way to the big score. A hairdresser's mistrust of her scheming boyfriend leads them both into dangerous territory. These three stories are told in parallel narratives across different timelines before they all come crashing together.
It's good fun. Plot holes the size of swimming-pools require extreme amounts of suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader. This is not your "go to" book if you want something deep or meaningful but if you're looking for the modern equivalent of a pulse-pounding pulp crime story this is the one.
Not for children or sensitive readers. Adult content, strong language, graphic violence, drug use, etc. This one is definitely rated R.
May 2, 2021
Porno Valley takes place in the year 2000 with some flashbacks to 1998 and 1999. Seventy Eight year old Mickey O’Rourke , a long time PI , takes his last case before retiring. This proves to be one of his toughest cases. He is hired to find Jeffrey Stokes, an award winning porn star who had gone missing a year ago. The story follows the lives of two couples. Jemeka Johnson suspected her boyfriend Ray Ray of cheating on her in 1998. She follows him finds him in a drug deal gone bad. This leads to her getting involved in supplying drugs to the neighborhood dealer while running a hair salon. Richie and Alabama are junkies that spend their time robbing diners and shooting up heroin in the cheap motels that they live in. In 1999, they move back to LA and hope for a big score instead of just robbing diners. The story follows the lives of both couples through the drug filled lives. Mickey O Rourke finds his search for Information on Jeffrey intersecting the lives of the couples. Mickey was one of the few likable characters in this book.The book seemed long and drawn out.
October 4, 2021
Nobody Move is a great underrated gem so I was excited to read the follow-up! Porno Valley has the same vibe, with wildly entertaining characters, a colourful noir setting, gritty action scenes and twisty storylines. I really liked the friendship between a retiring private investigator and a young porn star, which is the epitome of the found family trope. I was less enamoured about the storylines involving a criminal couple and a hairdresser. I found it kind of predictable and the open ending is not fully satisfying. But I did enjoy the writing - especially the dialogue - and I could visualise certain scenes as if they're on the screen. I would be happy to read more books featuring Mickey! Overall, this book would be perfect for readers who want some Tarantino in book form.
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July 21, 2021
2.75 stars. It’s good, reads quick and I love many of the characters. A old time detective is hired by a porn actress to find her boyfriend who’s been missing for a year. This leads to some great flashbacks of two other stories, one of a pair of 90s Bonnie & Clyde junkies, the other a single working woman in Compton trying to make it out of debt and the streets, but cannot do so without illegal drug activity. All three stories intertwine, There is not a lot of “porn” in it, so if you’re looking for some erotic thriller or a bit of naughtiness…nyet.
April 30, 2022
Enjoyed the book. Elliot has a little bit of Elmore Leonard in him which makes for,fine reading. Lots,of Southern California crime novel tropes but well done. Look forward to more from this author.
August 24, 2021
Porno Valley by Phillip Elliott is the second entry of his fantastic Angel City private investigation novels. It unfolds like an old-time Los Angeles noir novel a la Raymond Chandler. It is an innocent 18-year-old Porn star and all too real gangsters populating the city's most challenging and dangerous areas. The story is a fast-moving, ever-changing novel that introduces us to an assortment of three-dimensional characters striving for money, happiness, and freedom to sell some drugs, make porn, and even help find a missing person.
Porno Valley recalls the best of Michael Connelly. Their problems are spread out on the velvet background of Los Angeles 20 years ago; reading Porno Valley is a lot like the city itself. Good fortune lingers on every block, is obscured by drugs, crime, sex, and the overall desperation of those in Porno Valley whose ambition exceeds their reach. Porno Valley is eye-opening, and it will become a memorable series. Elliott is a writer to be watched, and this is his coming-out party.
Porno Valley recalls the best of Michael Connelly. Their problems are spread out on the velvet background of Los Angeles 20 years ago; reading Porno Valley is a lot like the city itself. Good fortune lingers on every block, is obscured by drugs, crime, sex, and the overall desperation of those in Porno Valley whose ambition exceeds their reach. Porno Valley is eye-opening, and it will become a memorable series. Elliott is a writer to be watched, and this is his coming-out party.
November 16, 2021
A page turner from the word go. An excellent read that you won’t want to put down.
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