Public Opinion

by Nathan Pettijohn

Herb is a fixer, a social media manipulator, an anonymous barracuda in a sea of wealthy marks. Blackmail, character assassination, fraud—it’s all in a day’s work.

When a quick scam introduces Herb to a cold-blooded director on a quest to film the Marquis de Sade’s Justine, Herb enters a world of porn stars and celebrity sociopaths, massage parlors and murder. 

Herb is building a family. He’s trying to build a conscience. But most importantly—Herb will get his money, no matter how many lives he has to ruin along the way.

Genres: Fiction

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2022

About the author

Nathan Pettijohn is an author and entrepreneur. He is a contributing writer for Forbes on topics relating to what business leaders need to know about innovations in media and technology. Nathan’s previous novel, Public Opinion, is a crime thriller. In 2011, Nathan founded Cordurouy, a digital strategy agency where he serves as CEO. He resides somewhere in South America with his dog, Raphael.

Reviews

[Afreen Khalil Inscribed Inklings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Public Opinion by Nathan Pettijohn 📚



Public Opinion was an incredibly entertaining and special story of an anti-hero. I love books with dark, gritty and scandalous characters and this was right up my alley. The book was a tell-all expose of the dark underbelly of Hollywood that everyone pretends doesn't exist. I had no idea about the kind of cover up's and scams people can do.

The writing style was articulate and witty. The tone of the book was dark and satirical. The pace of the book was fast. The plot was so interesting that it made the book unputdownable. The characters were all shady and unlovable. None of them were nice, even the moderately nice ones did bad things.

The book had a lot of content that maybe offensive to some people but it is essential to the authenticity of the story. The story was about Herb, a.k.a Melvin who was a hacker, scammer, tech guy who worked for the big stars of Hollywood. He cleaned up all their trash and covered it up. We get to see the glimpse of his life and the ultimate repercussion of being a bad guy.

Public Opinion is a must read for everyone who loves a dark book with a lot of scandals and drama.

Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

- Afreen Khalil

[Allison Yochum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC.

Whew, this one was a ride. Buckle in and hold on tight.

Melvin is an online aficionado, crafting personas and shaping lives in the court of public opinion through the use of the internet. A hacker, some would say. Melvin has the ability to control the narrative through social media, media management, and and misinformation campaigns. He’s not just your average troll, though. Melvin works for Hollywood’s elite, taking care of problematic stories as they arise and shaping the narrative to reflect well (or at least less poorly) on his clients. The lengths that Melvin is willing to go to for the right amount of cash is jaw dropping. Everything can be fixed, and every fix has a price.

I haven’t ever read a story quite like this before. It read as part how-to guide to being a well rounded criminal, and part crime thriller. Melvin is taking us on a journey with him, and explaining everything that he’s doing along the way. This will be one of those stories that sticks with you for a long time.

There is not one character in this entire book that you’re going to love. You likely won’t even have the slightest bit of empathy towards any of this bunch. But you also will absolutely have to know what could come next after what you just read. Pettijohn captured a overwhelming sense of mystery around the main character in a way that was pure art. Melvin takes us right along with him through every nefarious step along the way, even going so far as to become our criminal professor, but as a reader I still wasn’t sure that I knew anything real about this guy.

After finishing this book, I can’t help but to wonder how much my opinions of the rich and famous have something to do with an army of Melvins that are out there shaping public opinion. How much here is a stretch for an entertaining story and how much is legitimately happening on a regular basis? Is Pettijohn a very talented storyteller, or is he just sticking to the facts? So. Many. Questions.

TL/DR: If you’re looking for a feel good novel, this isn’t for you. This one is going to touch on just about every trigger you could think of. You’re going to feel uncomfortable, unsettled, disturbed, and a little sad with humanity at points. But, Pettijohn is a talented storyteller and did an amazing job bringing his (unlikeable) characters to life. If you’re into the dark and twisty, saddle up and dive on in.

[Booksaddict2020 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is dark and thrilling. The story focuses on Herb, who is the protagonist as well as an antagonist of the story. It has a gripping plot line and the author describes a lot of scandals that the protagonist comes across and how he deals with it. The readers feel a number of emotions as the story goes ahead. The twists and the entertaining plot line will make it hard for its readers to put down. It is a highly recommended book for readers who like this genre.

Personal Take:
This had an unusual plot line which intrigued me. I loved the way the author has narrated the entire story. The ups and downs in the protagonist's life made me curious to know what will happen next. The author describes the dark undertone of a celebrity life in his own way which made me not want to put the book down.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Public Opinion’s goal is clear. Pettijohn wishes to write an expose on the seedier aspects of the Hollywood elite whilst also writing an entertaining novel. He is one hundred percent successful.

The protagonist, Melvin (or is it Herbert?) is a modern-day chameleon and con man. He claims to be an IT consultant to the Hollywood elite but in reality, he is a grifter and con-man. His specialty is acting as a go-between for blackmail, where he likes to play both sides. He is also a public opinion hit man for hire. Give him a target and he will troll anyone’s good reputation into the dirt. For enough money, he’ll get you sent straight to jail.

Despite his moral reprehensibility, Melvin is a likable protagonist, even if in any other book he would be the villain. He is charming and witty with a worldview that makes a certain amount of twisted sense. He has dirt on everyone and he’s only scamming bad people who deserve it, so what’s the harm? He is also arrogant and selfish. Totally destructive to those he claims to love. Everyone has it coming.

As Melvin’s reputation as a modern-day Mr. Fixit improves he is pulled deeper and deeper into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood. Soon he’s no longer just a petty con-man but someone who helps cover up the worst kinds of crime imaginable. Soon Melvin’s already shaky moral compass is completely lost. Maybe he’s not as good as he thinks he is.

The villains in the book are too many to count but are obviously inspired by modern-day monsters like Weinstein and Epstein. The book is an expose on the ways these powerful men stay in power and those who help them.

Public Opinion is an excellent book but it’s not for the faint of heart. It is salacious and graphic. Pettijohn pulls no punches and certain scenes may upset some readers.

I spent the entire book rooting for Melvin to succeed whilst also rooting for him to fail. He is a protagonist who appeals to our baser urges. When the ending comes, it isn’t really a surprise, but it feels well earned. Any other ending to such a story would have felt false. I enjoyed Public Opinion immensely. Pettijohn knows his stuff and makes a good guide and an even better storyteller.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Equal parts titillating and shameful’ – A very significant new novel!

California author Nathan Pettijohn Is a powerful creative force, both as a writer concerning media and technology inventions as well as novels, and as an entrepreneur; he is the founder and CEO of Cordurouy, a digital strategy agency. His books to date – ZEN AND THE ART OF ADMIN TASKS, TRAVELS WITH HAFA, and now PUBLIC OPINION.

Electing to create a principle character who is dark and anything but a hero takes courage, and Nathan proves this idea can produce a probing and thoroughly entertaining novel. Painting his character, Herb, as the novel opens demonstrates this gift: ‘They say it’s Christmas. It’s early morning, and it’s still dark in Los Angeles. I’m driving through he Hollywood Hills all but lost, and the streets are nearly empty. With the front two windows of my cat rolled down, the air is crisp, and the temperature is somewhere in the mid-sixties. Cold for around here. My body is achy and weary from these long hours. And heavy drinking. I don’t sleep much, but I’m wide-awake and driving north, drinking a coffee and plotting. Plotting like a kid who secretly stays up late o n Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus. You can sleep later. You only get one chance to catch old Saint Nick…’ That personality permeates this excellent, if disturbing, story.

A brief peek at the plot seduces – ‘Herb is a fixer, a social media manipulator, an anonymous barracuda in a sea of wealthy marks. Blackmail, character assassination, fraud—it’s all in a day’s work. When a quick scam introduces Herb to a cold-blooded director on a quest to film the Marquis de Sade’s Justine, Herb enters a world of porn stars and celebrity sociopaths, massage parlors and murder. Herb is building a family. He’s trying to build a conscience. But most importantly, Herb will get his money, no matter how many lives he has to ruin along the way.’

All the dastardly shenanigans many popular Hollywood movies create are, in this novel, depicted as the real manner of life of the unseen, rarely exposed noir world that exists. Nathan very successfully delivers a pulsating story that defies the reader to put down until the final page. The handsome Nathan Pettijohn is a true literary force – watch his popularity soar! Very highly recommended.

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. This story was incredibly well written and very descriptive so you really got a good understanding of what it is the main character spends his time doing and how he does it. I do think this story is more fitting for a specific audience, some of the content will not be everyone’s favorite thing to read. In my opinion, it’s more of a guys book. I really wouldn’t tell any of my girlfriends to pick it up, but if ever a man asked for a book rec, this would be it. Or if someone asked for a Hollywood conspiracy story… I would’ve liked some more background information, I think there’s a lot there that could’ve been explored but wasn’t. It would’ve helped to gain a little more sympathy/good feelings for the main character. I’m giving it 4 stars because as I mentioned, it is very well done as far as the writing goes.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Public Opinion By Nathan Pettijohn

Book Review

🌀With enough cleverness, anyone can be manipulated”- Mark Twain

🌀If you let everything become either a fantasy or a nightmare, with no in between, nothing will ever satisfy you. Boring and content can’t exist, only the extreme highs and lows of joy and despair.

Elmer runs a PR firm in Los Angeles, Titus is a Hollywood star and a powerful man. While Melvin Ritkin has been invited to the Christmas Party. He reunited with Elmer, Titus and Fred. Yet Titus is hiding a lot behind his glamorous life and Melvin is covering up for him but how long will he be able to do that? What if he himself will get caught?

There is a twist and turn coming but no one can see it. While shooting for the film in Mexico. Melvin go along with Titus and he meets Ruby, their bond strengthens and about some weeks after that she gets pregnant. Now there is a tough choice lies beneath him whether he accept Ruby and the baby or he keeps covering up for Titus. What will he do? Will he bring the reality hidden behind the name and fame of Titus? Will crimes committed by Daniel Castillo come in spotlight? Will Ruby forgive him after knowing that he cover for Titus? What you see is a deception or the perception created by manipulating the technology and glamorous life.

The author has also splattered light upon catfishing and how American dating apps are earning profit by scamming people. Are you ready to see what lies beneath the glamorous life of Los Angeles ? The narration is brilliant and the author has shared some of the profound opinions/ perception about the world.

Quotes:

🌀 Power begets power.

🌀Someone once told me Hollywood is all about who you know and when you know them.

🌀A rearview mirror always shows you what is coming. Looking back can always inform what is coming, so I look back often. I think about what has transpired over my life and what regrets I have from the past few years.

🌀A true thing of beauty, and all in a dishonest day’s work. If you can get paid on both sides of a deal, you know it’s a good deal. Or as my grandma used to say, “You’re either the one doing the fucking or you’re the one getting fucked.”

🌀 A man’s nature can be shown in how he treats a woman in private. A decent man may treat a woman like a queen when they are alone together, while an insecure one may act forcefully, demanding, or abusive.

Thank you for the ARC

[ava hurwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a novel that will in equal parts thrill, disturb, and seduce you? Look no further than Nathan Pettijohn’s “Public Opinion.” A story that delves into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, led by our protagonist (and antagonist) Herb, it shocks the reader at every twist and turn. On the other hand, for those who are fainter of heart, this is not the book for you. Pettijohn spares no expense in describing the horrific crimes of the rich and famous, and thus we end up with utterly gory storytelling. I would not even describe these characters as morally grey, in fact, I would go so far as to say they are just generally bad people.

While this was a story that tugged at my heartstrings in an overall negative way, it deserves a five-star rating for being able to do so. Not many authors can successfully complete this feat, and to Pettijohn’s credit, he has been able to do so. Hollywood is full of those who will stop at nothing to get what they want, and while this novel is fictional, Pettijohn includes some references to real-life events, including sexual assault cases such as the Harvey Weinstein scandal. These are some very heavy topics, so take cation when reading and prepare yourself for the masterful prose of “Public Opinion.”

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Public Opinion dispersion the modern elite all about how to survive and make it to the big leagues. The principle character is a hacker that works for many Hollywood celebrities as he " cleans up their trash" by covering their crimes, scandals and any type of trouble they were involved in. This book was not only morbid and dark at some points but also, very realistic to the true scandals Hollywood celebrities are involved in. Then of course we get to part 3 where women are used as sex objects to fulfill the needs of the big wig masters referencing the Harvey Weinstein scandal Nathan Pettijohn does a brilliant job incorporating pop culture references and involving real celebrities as characters in the book being involved in the troublesome scandals indirectly. The drama, scandalous stories really made my heartbeat skyrocket and my interest peaked and not many novels can accomplish that. Hiawatha ultimately-hero novel. The story Hollywood does not want you to know and the ultimate truth behind the industry.

The ultimate truth about the ultimate big wig industry that was brilliantly written and constructed. This book deserves 5 stars.

[Hannah Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very thrilling read. The author, Nathan Pettijohn, does a wonderful job at mixing the 1950's pulp fiction feel, with modern day twists, turns, and technology. This is by no mean an easy read, but it does keep its intrigue and pace at the forefront for the duration, making it impossible to put down.

This book follows Herb, a social media assassin of sorts, as he moves through LA's seedy underbelly. We all know it's there, and Pettijohn does a beautiful job with his descriptions and dropping pop culture references to keep the readers engaged. I like Herb as the main character because he isn't necessarily a good guy, nor a trustworthy narrator--but it's the people he meets along the way, the ones that are much worse, that lend such credit and excitement to Herb's character.

Well written, fast-paced, and wonderfully amusing, I recommend this read to anyone who loves pulp, a bit of darkness, con artists, and seeing the privileged few fall.

[Lily A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Pettijohn's "Public Opinion" follows Melvin Ritkin's woes as a cyberpunk, who utilizes foul and obscene techniques to get things done. He is exposed to have aided in destroying a promoter's reputation, as well as in clearing the path for a deeply troubled Hollywood director, among other grotesque interventions. As one would ultimately expect, Melvin would shockingly find himself inundated in deep introspections regarding the choices he has made in life and their unforgiving outcomes.
Some readers may find the contents of this read dark and horrendous but later be won over by its humor and pertinent themes. This read has ably depicted the steep descent of the modern world through technological influence by selfish and highly persuasive individuals who have little regard for morality or integrity. It's definitely one of those books bound to be a keeper on any adult reader's shelf.

[Viga Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be afraid. Be very, very afraid if you're a rich person or celebrity with secrets you don't want the world to know. Be very afraid of having a Melvin Ritkin in your circle of friends, or more accurately, enemies. Ritkin won't shoot or murder you in some ugly way, but he can make your life hell, even destroy you, and he will become rich in the process. On the other hand, he might also end up in jail or dead. He'll understand if you don't like him within the first few chapters. He's not very likable. But he IS brilliant, even mesmerizing in his nefarious way of making a living, and thoroughly entertaining. Oh, he can also be loving, even caring when it comes to his porn star girlfriend and ultimately the mother of his child. Intrigued yet? You should be: this was one of the most unusual and enjoyable reads I've had all year. Don't miss it!

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m wondering to myself — kicking myself — why didn’t I read this book sooner? I won Public Opinion in a Goodreads giveaway last year, but only just read it. I absolutely love it. Kicking myself not reading this sooner.

The novel revolves around a character you love to hate. Melvin Ritkin is a horrible human being who does unsavory things for unseemly amounts of money. He’s built a career around scamming people, creating false realities, and fixing other awful people’s problems. He lives in a place most people love to hate too: Los Angeles, CA. But Melvin’s world is Hollywood adjacent; it is Hollywood’s underworld. Melvin maneuvers and is part of the grotesque underbelly that makes the glitz and glamor possible on its surface. This is the behind-the-scenes view of Hollywood and it is as ugly as one can imagine. The characters are utterly sinful; palpable, pitiable, and on occasional, lovable. This is world of victims and villains, and where the line between the two is porous.

Through Melvin’s eyes we see how perception is easily manipulated. But readers are also treated to the tantalizing view of how the manipulators themselves rot inside. Melvin’s life, relationships, and work all come together in a collision that leaves him… well, I will leave it to the reader to find out. But, Reader, know that there is a moral to this tale, though, it is the journey which makes that lesson so delicious.

Story aside, it is Pettijohn’s prose, his distinct and witty authorial voice that carries the novel beyond snark and soap opera, and into the territory of literary fiction. This is a very well-crafted independent novel. Nathan Pettijohn has a new fan and I very much look forward to their next novel.

[Mitra | myfictionalmusings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Public Opinion is an engaging, dark and thrilling story of morally corrupt characters. Most of these morally grey characters are Hollywood celebrities, and this book shows us what ctually goes behind their glittering famous ON CAMERA lives. It is basically a Hollywood conspiracy story, it exposes the dark underbelly of Hollywood that everyone pretends doesn't exist.
It is a story of Herb who is an internet expert (a Fixer), and he can ruin or rescue people's lives just by creating digital content about them. He can change public opinion about anyone with his digital content.
Herb is the narrator of the story so we get to see things only from his point of view, how he judges people and how he perceives things. He is witty and has a twisted sense of view. He tells us his life story, how he gets involved with Hollywood and how tries to manage his personal life along with his secret FIXER life. How far he could go to achieve his goals and what price he would pay for the things he does.
The pace of the book is steady and the writing style is flowing that make it an easy and fast read. It was entertaining, I didn't get bored and was able to finish it in just two sittings. I like reading books with dark themes and morally grey characters, that's why I enjoyed reading Public Opinion. I gave it 4 stars.
Public Opinion is an adult book with dark content and is not suitable for younger readers.
TW: drug use, sexual assault, murder, death.

[Danielle | daniellereadslikealot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Public Opinion is a dark, witty and scandalous look at the underbelly of Hollywood and it is not for the faint of heart. It is graphic and uncomfortable and horrifying at times. And yet, I was strangely fascinated by it. I did love the writing style. The pace was pretty steady. The characters, while deplorable, were interesting. There are no heroes in this story, even our MC Melvin/Herb is pretty shady. Much like Joe Goldberg in the book You, since Public Opinion is written in Melvin’s POV, you start, not necessarily rooting for him, but understanding him and his easily bought, jump roping morality. Until he does something really awful and then you remember that he might not be the worst of the bunch, but that’s still not saying much. This book is 100% not for everyone. If you can’t get into unlikeable characters, I’d avoid it. But if you’re looking for something that’ll get you really out of your comfort zone and say “Jesus Christ” every other page, give it a go! This was far from my usual types of books, but I’m glad I went for it.
TW: drug use, sexual assault, death, murder, mentions of beastiality

Thank you to NetGalley and Corduroy Books for an advanced digital reader’s copy!

[Michael Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In accessible, straightforward, deceptively simple prose, Pettijohn spins a complex, multi-layered story that is part crime-drama, part techno-thriller, and part moral parable -- with a dose of philosophical meditation mixed in for good measure. This book is, by turns, horrifying and savagely funny. Its surprising and sudden shifts in both tone and narrative trajectory make for a genuinely entertaining and thought-provoking read, and its not-so-subtle topicality pierces its more timeless and universal themes. Public Opinion is an incredibly well-balanced and expertly structured book that reminds us of the individual's fragility and vulnerability in an increasingly fractured and fragmented digital age.

[John Senner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herb is an evil IT guy with connections to the movie industry. A star gets his laptop encrypted, and Herb fixes it for a large fee. Easy work - Herb was the one who encrypted it. Herb is hired to ruin a guy's life. Herb is hired to bribe critics to give good reviews to a movie. Herb meets a porn star who moves in with him and has a baby. And then it all collapses. The end.

Lots of movie references, history of stars dying during the filming, info on how to do IT scams, recipe for homemade chloroform, and more.

[Ers · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a gritty, satirical, and frightening journey through the 'dark underbelly' of LA behind the Social Media veil, this book will deliver some major, white knuckling fear. So buckle your belts for a harrowing cautionary tale of how bad it can get for you on the internet - and just when you think it hits bottom, it gets worse.

Can't wait for the sequel ;).

[S. Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The reader's response to this novel will likely depend on how much of its construction they perceive as deliberate on the part of the author and how much as accidental. Much of the content is clever if supported by intent, but merely directionless without it. I find myself leaning towards a more positive reading, but the very fact that I have to make this a conscious decision indicates that it is not fully evident within the text itself.

Although set in present, Public Opinion opens with a mid-century noir feel, narrated in a voiceover-like style by Herb. Herb's job description is best summarized by the following quote: "People with too much money call me when they want to suppress one online narrative and replace it with their own." Noir elements are out in force at the outset, from the gathering of Hollywood elites in the hills above Los Angeles to the slightly antiquarian feel of the office setting in one opening scene (minus Miley Cyrus singing in the next room, of course). This tone is a surprisingly comfortable fit with a plot based on modern day digital intrigue--cloaked identities, elaborately orchestrated frauds, fixers operating in grey legal zones--but these elements ultimately serve primarily to trap the narrator in a snare of his own making. During the course of the narrative, Herb becomes involved in three plots that involve or culminate in tragedy, forcing him to dig himself into the type of hole that can only be escaped through more digging--resulting, inevitably, in an even deeper hole.

There is some question as to the narrator's reliability, as there are hints that he is not quite as smart or cool-headed as he wants to appear. For instance, almost his first action in the novel is to smash a stranger's car mirror, for little evident gain and some obvious risk. He may be cold enough to deceive and manipulate his family, but he is not so cold as to be unaffected by the threat of losing them. Yet, there is no obvious point in the story where the discrepancy between Herb's view of himself and the actions we witness is definitively addressed. Similarly unclear is how the reader is supposed to receive a pivotal moment that could mean his downfall. After an amateur mistake leads to Herb getting found out by his girlfriend, he has the gall to lament, "This is what transparency will get you, the cost of love and virtue and trust." If the staggering hypocrisy of this statement is intentional, then it’s a brilliant climatic moment. If not, then it's laughable. I personally choose to credit the author with intent in these instances, but I am not sure that this intent quite crystallizes to the point to satisfy all readers, and may instead just come across as muddled writing. My other major criticism is on a more technical level. The expositional segments, in which the narrator explains his work and uses real world examples of it, interrupt the narrative flow, as do some occasional clunky word choices, (for instance, when a character "fakes a mock laugh.")

Despite these caveats, I think that there is the core of something interesting here, largely based on the unique perspective of the main character--a character who makes no claim to be a hero, who lacks even the consistency to be an anti-hero, who neither deserves our sympathy or asks for it, and whose main purpose is to offer the reader a glimpse of the shadowy world implied to underlie our every digital interaction. I do not consider myself enough of an expert to speak for the accuracy of the portrayal, but as a reader I can say that it is at once unsettling and fascinating.

Public Opinion is one of many works of fiction to contain a story within the story--in this case, a movie adaptation of Marquis de Sade's Justine, or the Misfortunes of Virtue, and its accompanying novel, Juliette, or Vice Amply Rewarded. The narrator becomes heavily involved in the affairs of the influential Hollywood director in charge of the project, and it's impossible not to see a connection between the titles and Herb's story arc. He is someone who wants to believe that vice is tied inextricably to reward, only to come face-to-face with the glibness of this sentiment. Virtue can and does encounter misfortunes, indeed, but vice ultimately proves to be no protection against them.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book for free as a Goodreads giveaway winner*
Wow, this was an interesting one for sure. I finished this book yesterday and gave myself some time to reflect before writing this review, but settled on a 3.75 star read, rounding up to 4 stars because I found it to be really interesting story with a unique narrative.

Now to get into the details- the story started out slow for me with a seemingly endless description of rich people including name dropping and destroying the mirror of an Astin Martin just because. About 5 chapters in, I started to get more interested in the actual storyline. Probably needs to be some trigger warnings in this one but I don't recall seeing any at the front of the book- rape, torture, child abuse, etc. You're taken on a journey of the main character who starts out not really "hurting" anyone and just minding his own business, through to his demise into the wrong crowd and the need for more action/thrill. He is seemingly not aware of how far he is getting into the wrong side of his business but persists into making pretty dumb decisions. You want to like him, and you want to give him the benefit of the doubt in some instances, but overall, he just keeps being an asshole! It's a pretty frustrating character to read (albeit entertaining)! He literally makes his own chlorophorm for his girlfriend and uses it on her while she is pregnant! Not to mention he almost gave her a STD while she's pregnant because he was being pretty damn stupid at the Hong Kong place. He has access to information about child abuse and rape, yet he doesn't turn the people committing these crimes in........You can insinuate how frustrating this character is.......

What I did find interesting was all of the tid bits of real-world knowledge and instances throughout the story. Linking stories we have all seen online and in the media to what the story is about. Really making us reevaluate what may be true and what may be false. Seeing how people can get away with nearly everything, or vice versa, lose everything.

By the end of the story, I was left really blindsided by the fact that (1) I pretty much hated every character and (2) it's possible that our entire reality isn't reality at all....talk about a mindf**k.

[Sabrina Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herbert (a/k/A Melvin) Ritkin is a filthy, slimy opportunist. A grifter and a con artist, he preys upon wealthy individuals and corporations with fabricated stories, faking facts and spreading disinformation online, in order to make a profit off of them. Sometimes, he even puts innocent lives at risk just so he can come out on top. His only motivation is greed and self-interest. When he’s introduced to Titus—a 32-year-old entertainer with a net worth of over $400 million—Melvin gets an endless supply of work, both on and offline. Out of work, he daydreams about dating a porn actress and getting his wish when he meets “Ruby” at one of Titus‘s lavish parties. Ruby is a hot blonde with a multi-pooh dog named Frankie. Together they settle in as Melvin’s new life: loving couple, devoted parents, and happy homemaker. Things go sour when Ruby learns about some of Melvin’stheir nasty dealings. Furious with Melvin, she threatens to destroy everything they’ve built together. Her anger causes turmoil in their marriage and threatens to tear apart their family. Public Opinion is a gritty, smart thriller with a complex storyline and compelling characters. The author employs an array of techniques to create a sense of authenticity. For example, he includes plenty of dialogue and vivid descriptions to convey the atmosphere of the setting and add depth to the narrative. Colorful secondary characters round out the story line and provide a lot of action and suspense. The plot is full of intrigue—from the beginning to the end—and the ending doesn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed how Nathan Pettijohn added a modern twist to an age-old theme. PUBLIC OPINIONS strength lies in the author’s ability to build and sustain suspense throughout the entire narrative. In addition to being a riveting read, it offers valuable insight into the dark side Hollywood and the film industry. I recommend you give the book a try!

[Steven Rosenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Public Opinion” by Nathan Pettijohn had me hooked in the first chapter. Melvin Ritkin, a 30 something guy whose name is really Herbert (Herb), is our protagonist. The story opens on Christmas Eve with Melvin driving to a house party in the hills above Los Angeles. Melvin was invited by his friend Elmer who runs a Public Relations firm. The house belongs to Titus, a wealthy movie star. Upon arrival, Melvin is shown to a private office where Elmer along with Titus and his confidants await. At issue is the laptop of Oscar, an up and coming movie star. The laptop has been hacked with ransomware. The hackers are demanding $100,000 or sensitive damning files that will cause Oscar and Titus inextricable harm will be made public. Titus is willing to pay but he wants assurances that the files will not go public after payment. This is where Melvin’s expertise and the reason he was invited comes in and the story takes its first dark turn. Melvin is a computer ace who uses the internet and other means to sway public opinion however the client desires. Melvin charges Titus a $20,000 fee, which demonstrates to us readers both the high level of Melvin’s skills, and the seriousness of the matter to the clients.

From this point forward, Melvin is one of Titus’s confidants and invited to various upscale parties and events. As the story progresses situations arise where Melvin’s talents are again called for and send the story down a dark path. Melvin is a likable character, and even as he does things of questionable morality, I couldn’t help but to be on his side and hope he succeeds. Melvin also meets, marries, impregnates, and loses Ruby his favorite porn star, due to her discovering what he has been up to. The story is very well written and a real page turner. The ending leaves open the possibility of a sequel, which I would love to read. I enthusiastically recommend this book. Enjoy!

[Misty Travieso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to jump right into this review! This book really spoke to me when I read the synopsis. Of course, since I love true crime and stories with twists and turns, I knew this book would be a great buy for me. I wasn't wrong at all either! The author is one amazing writer, in my opinion, and he didn't let me down with this book. He has written many novels that I have read, but none of them were like this one!

When I began the book, one quote that really stuck with me was this one: ‘They say it’s Christmas. It’s early morning, and it’s still dark in Los Angeles. I’m driving through the Hollywood Hills all but lost, and the streets are nearly empty. With the front two windows of my cat rolled down, the air is crisp, and the temperature is somewhere in the mid-sixties. Cold for around here. My body is achy and weary from these long hours. And heavy drinking. I don’t sleep much, but I’m wide awake and driving north, drinking a coffee and plotting. Plotting like a kid who secretly stays up late on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus. You can sleep later. You only get one chance to catch old Saint Nick…’

If you think this is creepy, just wait! Herb, one of the main characters spends a lot of time on social media and that seems to be the way he makes money. However, he is no stranger to blackmail either. Herb loves money and will do anything to get it. This is where all of the twists and turns that I mentioned earlier come into play.

After reading this book, I am convinced that someone should make a movie or a show based on it. It has that Hollywood noir feel to it and I would love to see it on the big screen. Pettijohn’s writing held me throughout the entire book and I just couldn’t put it down. If you are looking for a new book to read, I would suggest this one, for sure! With the suspense, drama, and twists and turns, you are bound to get something out of it.

[Rachel Loveday · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a social media manipulator and how he works his manipulative magic is very fitting in today’s world of lack of privacy and obsession with online image. Herbert (aka Melvin) gives us an insight into his world by explaining his methods and reasons for his work.

Herbert manages his work while building a relationship and family with his dream woman, Ruby. Throughout the novel he is simultaneously confident to the point of arrogant, and constantly trying to justify the morality of his work to the reader, even directly addressing the reader at certain points. This builds his character and makes us question our own vulnerability to being manipulated, as Herbert himself states, “anyone can be manipulated, even you.”

Herbert’s confidence in his abilities is established at the beginning at the novel, which made me wonder whether he would be conned and/or taken down by the end. This question, as well as the dark but thrilling plot that escalated at a steady pace, motivated me to keep turning every page.

Like with any work there are some weaknesses – his references to certain celebrities and their crimes/misdeeds could possibly date the book in years to come, and while Herbert’s explanations of his various methods are compelling, they do kind of break the classic writing rule of ‘show, don’t tell’. Most of Herbert’s explanations are necessary but towards the end of the novel, this rule is being broken when it doesn’t need to be.

I normally don’t read thriller or suspense fiction; however I’m glad I stepped out of my comfort zone with this novel.

[Dennis Ogbeide · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of Richard Kuklinski and how he was portrayed in the the Ice Man; he was the garbage man for the mafia but treated his family superior to all. Herb or Melvin is a character with a broken moral compass, from his internal monologues, you’ll probably think he isn’t a bad guy, but you get this vibe of him being an almost decent guy, but not a good guy. I absolutely connected with this character and I especially like how we don’t go too deep into his psyche trying to explain why he is the way he is. From his first act of vandalism in the first few pages of the book, I just knew I’ll have my heart in my mouth the entire book waiting for when he gets caught or simply runs out of luck. Apart from the character, the content of the book really jolts one back to reality about how things are not always as we see them or as we think they are, Public opinion is something that is easily swayed or bought like the highest currency - individualism when it comes to our belief is just a farce because our thoughts, actions and opinions are all based off on one interaction or another that we had with someone, somewhere even if no one was actively trying to influence us, it’s like recycling. I appreciate the realism that this book comes with even though some scenes are just too grotesque to picture to which I’m certain the Hollywood society is living up to.
And to the Author, Mr Nathan, I’ll say thank you for making this book as short as possible. I absolutely Love books that end quickly but still give a solid story and reasonable ending.

[Ashley Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Public Opinion is a modern day noir novel with all sorts of dark twists and turns. The main character is introduced to us as Melvin. The beginning of the story takes a deep dive into the kinds of shady things that Melvin does for a living. Some of these things include catfishing, creating sockpuppet accounts to scam others, digging up dirt to use as blackmail, up to using social media and constructed stories to destroy people's careers and lives. The main character, then, is not necessarily a likable person, and yet I enjoyed him. I tend to gravitate towards characters who are gray on the morality scale, and I would say that Melvin is probably even darker than gray.

The novel really picked up for me when a second main character is introduced who is called Ruby. She adds a new dynamic to the main character's life with a bit of sudden romance, and for a little while there seems to be even the smallest hope that "Melvin" might clean himself up. But instead he just keeps getting himself in deeper with the group of people he's currently working with.

After the introduction of Ruby I found the story became much easier to read and at that point there were less technical side avenues into the "hows" of conning and online trickery so it made the plot flow better. Aside from the two dynamic main characters, there are also lots of fun and shady side characters as well who will keep you wanting more. I think as you go along you'll really be interested to see how Melvin's story plays out, whether you like him, or not.

[LitPick Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Public Opinion written by Nathan Pettijohn is a suspense novel for adults. The main character Melvin along with his other "names" and "friends" like Elmer, Fred and Titus are in their glorious world of movie production. There are questionable morals along with other dealings that Melvin and friends need to consider. Melvin starts out in the story doing some basic loitering and petty vandalism and then decides to move on to his meeting at this exclusive home of a particular man. He finds out what he needs to do, but does he really want to do it? Melvin must do some creative work to make everyone happy, but is he really happy and wanting to do what is expected of him. In this novel Public Opinion, it is all about the choices made.

Opinion:
Nathan Pettijohn has quite the creative mind to write this novel entitled Public Opinion. He has written a suspenseful, yet erotic story. In my opinion, he does use profanity a little much, but I also understand that in some adult novels the use of swear words are necessary. I do understand that this is a novel set in Los Angeles and New Orleans and that most of the characters are a part of the motion picture industry where this kind of language in the area of X-rated movies is common. The author just wanted to stay true to that industry. Public Opinion is an adult novel of profanity, sex, drugs and various crimes.

[Manik and Sayee |favbookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Public Opinion" is a befitting title as the book makes us realize that people's outlooks can be manipulated; it is a satirical novel featuring Melvin Ritkin. Melvin can form an excellent public image for his clients or run a defamation campaign if he is paid for it. As the narrator, Melvin lets us in on the modus operandi for acquiring burner phones, creating fake accounts, digital espionage and blackmail. It almost makes us think we're reading something off the dark web. Nonetheless, he is not the only unethical character in the book; Titus, Tony, Lance and Fred are all in the same league. Overall, the narrative is vivid and captivating, and we get a glimpse of what occurs behind Hollywood scenes. Also, the plot is dark and resembles reality, and most characters engage in nefarious and illegal activities. The romantic relationship between Melvin and Ruby is sweet and heartwarming. However, every character is just an imperfect human from the start till the end; there is not much character development. Also, in certain instances, women are portrayed in a derogatory manner, which is quite disturbing. Apart from that, the story ends in an unexpected yet cathartic way, and readers of thriller and crime fiction lovers might enjoy this book.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

As full disclosure, I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway. That in no way changed how I felt about this book. I wish there was a half star rating, because this is 3.5 to me. I literally laughed out loud.

This book was a fun read. It was basically two stories told simultaneously about the same person. One section focused on the work the character did. This part was mostly factually accurate and did a good job of explaining technical things simply to the reader. I really enjoyed that portion. It was more active in voice, and it read well.

The other storyline is where I had my issues. While it felt like the toxic relationship between the protagonist + porn actress was too glorified, I think it was also a sly rebuke of the protagonist’s toxic masculinity and his horrible life and career choices. The main issue I had was the passive storytelling voice mixed with odd lines about jealousy. It made the stigma feel too real and exploitative. If this story was stigma free, it would have been beautiful to see a healthy relationship with a sex worker.

Overall, I recommend. The ride is a really fun one.

[Michaela Cricchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few sentences of the story, describe the empty and dark streets of Hollywood, created this uncomfortable reality of fame and fortune. The author, Nathan Pettijohn, made the plot a reality. He never overdid it with the details, and it transports the reader with every chapter.

The book takes you on a dark and twisted fantasy ride through the tribulations of Hollywood. It introduces you to characters that you would never wish to meet in real life. The storyline is seducing in some parts with the mixture of porn stars, drugs, violence, and manipulation. It's as if you are living Melvin's (Herb's) life.

Another aspect that makes this story feel so far from its genre is the references to the most recent scandals coming straight out of Hollywood that became part of the "Me Too" movement. As a writer, Pettijohn knew how to combine every aspect of the story and the characters' personalities to make it terrifying and shameful.

Parts of the story can be heavy at times, especially with themes of sex work. It is not one of those books to devour in one sitting. It's seducing with the way the story is told but proceed with caution.