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Charlie Willis #2
Dead Space
The raunchy, outrageous, laugh-out-loud thriller from Lee Goldberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author of True Fiction and Lost Hills.Ex-cop Charlie Willis handles "special security" at Pinnacle Pictures. His to protect the studio and its stars, to stop scandals before they explode, to keep the peace in the land of make-believe. When Pinnacle revives the cult, 1960s TV series Beyond the Beyond as the cornerstone of a fourth network, two powerful forces fight for control of the show—a talent agency that uses blackmail, torture, and murder to keep its clients on the A-list, and a homicidal legion of rabid fans led by an insane actor who thinks he's in outer space.This book, the sequel to My Gun Has Bullets, was originally entitled Beyond the Beyond when it was published by St. Martin's Press in 1997CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR DEAD SPACE“Goldberg uses just about everything he can think of to send up the studio system, fandom, Star Trek, Trekkies, agents, actors… you name it, he’ll make you laugh about it.” Analog "An outrageously entertaining take on the loathsome folkways of contemporary showbiz," Kirkus Reviews “Mr. Goldberg has an observant eye and a wicked pen!” Washington Times “[It] reads like a modern-day Alice in Wonderland set against the venal world of the TV industry. It’s wonderfully revealing and uncannily accurate,” Vancouver Sun (Canada) "Some of the easily recognizable actors, agents and producers who are mercilessly ribbed may find it hard to crack a smile at the author's gag-strewn prose, likewise those seekers after politically correct entertainment. But the rest of us should have no trouble….the novel's satiric slant is strong enough to have an effigy of Goldberg beamed into outer space at the next Star Trek convention," Los Angeles Times"Pinnacle Pictures has decided to revive a 25-year-old cult sci-fi TV show called Beyond the Beyond, but somebody keeps killing off the new cast. Is it the Hollywood agent who eats human flesh? The aging actor who still thinks he's a starship captain? The fans who live only to attend conventions? This sharp roman a clef goes where no Hollywood satire has gone before—altering just enough facts to avoid the libel courts but still smacking of a certain je ne sais Trek. It probably won't make Goldberg, a television writer and producer (Baywatch, For Hire, seaQuest), the most popular boy on the Paramount lot, but it's a stingingly funny novel just the same." Entertainment Weekly "The hilarious follow-up to Goldberg's witty debut, My Gun Has Bullets...[this book] skewers the entertainment business, which Goldberg knows well," Oline Codgill, Knight-Ridder Newspapers."As in his riotous novel My Gun Has Bullets, TV writer/producer Goldberg once again bites the hand that feeds him, laughing all the while. Inspired silliness," Publishers Weekly
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1997
544 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Lee Goldberg
158 books2,108 followersLee Goldberg is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over forty novels, including Malibu Burning, Calico, Lost Hills (the first novel in his acclaimed "Eve Ronin" series), 15 "Monk" mysteries, five "Fox & O'Hare" adventures (co-written with Janet Evanovich), and the new thriller Ashes Never Lie, the second in his "Sharpe & Walker" series.. He's written and/or produced many TV shows, including Diagnosis Murder, SeaQuest, and Monk and he co-created the Hallmark movie series Mystery 101.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 14, 2020
Need I say more?
August 16, 2023
This book is crass, vulgar and violent. Yet it is readable depending on the reader's mood. It worked for me this time, I would have thrashed the book if I was in a foul mood.
I even laughed at some very silly scenes and some scenes made me throw up.
The author probably thinks like a teenager with a very fertile imagination to come up with some really weird characters and scenes.
Similar to the first book, the author takes a dig at everyone related to TV industry and their complete lack of moral codes. I repeat my comment from Book #1 -Lee Goldberg is a Hollywood insider, so even if half of what was written here is true, Hollywood is really a crazy place to be in.
Thankfully there is no book # 3 in Charlie Willis series. But Goldberg manages to include TV references in his other series - Mr. Monk, Ian Ludlow etc.
I even laughed at some very silly scenes and some scenes made me throw up.
The author probably thinks like a teenager with a very fertile imagination to come up with some really weird characters and scenes.
Similar to the first book, the author takes a dig at everyone related to TV industry and their complete lack of moral codes. I repeat my comment from Book #1 -Lee Goldberg is a Hollywood insider, so even if half of what was written here is true, Hollywood is really a crazy place to be in.
Thankfully there is no book # 3 in Charlie Willis series. But Goldberg manages to include TV references in his other series - Mr. Monk, Ian Ludlow etc.
January 15, 2020
Another Hollywood mystery by Lee Goldberg.
After the events in My Gun Has Bullets, Charlie and Allison are working special security, mostly protecting crazy and idiotic Hollywood types from themselves and the paparazzi.
A cult sci fi series is being resurrected, and a lot of crazy people want control of the show: Crazed fans, actors on the first show, agents, and they all try in their own various ways to get control, including murder.
Entertaining. I hope it is ins't very realistic.
After the events in My Gun Has Bullets, Charlie and Allison are working special security, mostly protecting crazy and idiotic Hollywood types from themselves and the paparazzi.
A cult sci fi series is being resurrected, and a lot of crazy people want control of the show: Crazed fans, actors on the first show, agents, and they all try in their own various ways to get control, including murder.
Entertaining. I hope it is ins't very realistic.
October 3, 2021
Oh, how happy was I to discover that Goldberg wrote a sequel to My Gun Has Bullets? Pretty damn happy.
Cop turned reluctant actor Charlie Willis is back in his new capacity protecting the denizens of Pinnacle Pictures from each other and themselves. Keeping Charlie at the studio gives Goldberg another opportunity to skewer the entertainment industry and its useful idiots with evil glee, and he doesn't disappoint. This time, he takes aim at the reboot of a Star Trek-like series whose delusional old stars and rabid fans turn murderous when they learn the original cast will be replaced by a new, young, hip cast. There's also another plotline in which a mega-agency decides to take over the industry by any means necessary, including murder.
Sadly this appears to be the last of the Charlie Willis stories. Too bad - he's a great character and Goldberg's ability to mock the arrogance and excess of the entertainment industry is up there with the South Park guys.
Cop turned reluctant actor Charlie Willis is back in his new capacity protecting the denizens of Pinnacle Pictures from each other and themselves. Keeping Charlie at the studio gives Goldberg another opportunity to skewer the entertainment industry and its useful idiots with evil glee, and he doesn't disappoint. This time, he takes aim at the reboot of a Star Trek-like series whose delusional old stars and rabid fans turn murderous when they learn the original cast will be replaced by a new, young, hip cast. There's also another plotline in which a mega-agency decides to take over the industry by any means necessary, including murder.
Sadly this appears to be the last of the Charlie Willis stories. Too bad - he's a great character and Goldberg's ability to mock the arrogance and excess of the entertainment industry is up there with the South Park guys.
June 2, 2021
Totally enjoyable
Lee Goldberg delivers, again. A funny Hollywood drama that you know is on the mark. Read one of his books and you’re hooked for more.
Lee Goldberg delivers, again. A funny Hollywood drama that you know is on the mark. Read one of his books and you’re hooked for more.
March 27, 2022
Charlie Willis is a fix it man for a TV film studio and his skills are required, as someone is trying to stop the reboot of Beyond the Beyond. Good book, with a lot going on, with multiple threads as the OTT world of TV production and agents is explored.
January 31, 2023
would you kill for fame?
I grew up in the San Fernando valley amongst actors, writers and hangers-on and reading this took me back to that time. Far fetched plot? Hmmm. Not sure. Hollywood is definitely a backstabbing culture. I enjoyed the romp.
I grew up in the San Fernando valley amongst actors, writers and hangers-on and reading this took me back to that time. Far fetched plot? Hmmm. Not sure. Hollywood is definitely a backstabbing culture. I enjoyed the romp.
November 11, 2021
so funny
This story was so unreal to make it crazy funny. If u need to read a book that takes you 5 steps away from reality this is it.
This story was so unreal to make it crazy funny. If u need to read a book that takes you 5 steps away from reality this is it.
August 3, 2022
A poor second book dead space
The first book was readable but this one was not worth the read, time or money. What was the author thinking? Crap....
The first book was readable but this one was not worth the read, time or money. What was the author thinking? Crap....
April 19, 2023
All of this...
Was Dead Space trash. Occasionally funny, but still not entertaining. I can't believe I continued to read it to the finish.
Was Dead Space trash. Occasionally funny, but still not entertaining. I can't believe I continued to read it to the finish.
January 14, 2020
I got a kick out of this book and would have given it 5 stars but it’s listed as book 2 and it isn’t! Yeah it’s the same character but sure didn’t pick up the story line. At the end of book 1 our hero was with Sabrina....but in book 2 she is literally mentioned once and it was nothing to do with him! Made me feel a bit lost and confused until I could reconcile myself to treating this as a totally separate book. Hate books hinging on each other, should be able to stand alone, but when you sell it as that keep the continuity please!
April 4, 2018
FANTASTIC
Movie and TV titles so absurd you'll wish you'd thought of them, ridiculous plot sketches, and name-dropping like rain are just side-bars in this marvelous book. There are very few laugh-out-loud thrillers that don't feel forced, but this novel is just that. The plot and characters (you'll probably put some famous actors' faces on some) are wonderful and weird. This is a terrific read!!!
Movie and TV titles so absurd you'll wish you'd thought of them, ridiculous plot sketches, and name-dropping like rain are just side-bars in this marvelous book. There are very few laugh-out-loud thrillers that don't feel forced, but this novel is just that. The plot and characters (you'll probably put some famous actors' faces on some) are wonderful and weird. This is a terrific read!!!
April 8, 2019
One of the most bizarre mysteries
There is nothing normal or predictable in Dead Space, the second book in the Charlie Willis series. The good news is there are a few live bodies at the end otherwise I couldn't write this review. Calling the story bizarre is one of the milder things I can write and it will have to do. Not for everyone.
There is nothing normal or predictable in Dead Space, the second book in the Charlie Willis series. The good news is there are a few live bodies at the end otherwise I couldn't write this review. Calling the story bizarre is one of the milder things I can write and it will have to do. Not for everyone.
January 1, 2020
I enjoy reading Lee Goldberg and Dead Space was all over, a little silly and fun to read. I really wanted more of connection to his last book and more about Charlie's relationship and what happened there, but oh well.
This one was a little crazy and out there (death by breast??) but still fun. I'd read the next installment, if there is one.
This one was a little crazy and out there (death by breast??) but still fun. I'd read the next installment, if there is one.
June 8, 2022
Couldn't guess the ending even though it was right in front of me.
My dislikes would have to be the numerous misspellings and grammatical errors. But these weren't the author's even though they were distracting.
My likes were the dry humor and the rollicking fast pace of the prose. Thanks for the fun!
My dislikes would have to be the numerous misspellings and grammatical errors. But these weren't the author's even though they were distracting.
My likes were the dry humor and the rollicking fast pace of the prose. Thanks for the fun!
January 23, 2024
Charlie Willis 2.0
Another ludicrous romp through broadcast TV that somehow manages to keep the laughs coming while at the same time creating a pretty engaging thriller(?) I'd almost say that I think it's too preposterous to consider, but when you realize that the whole thing is set in Hollywood - well... anything's possible I guess. A fun continuation of the story arc from My Gun Has Bullets.
Another ludicrous romp through broadcast TV that somehow manages to keep the laughs coming while at the same time creating a pretty engaging thriller(?) I'd almost say that I think it's too preposterous to consider, but when you realize that the whole thing is set in Hollywood - well... anything's possible I guess. A fun continuation of the story arc from My Gun Has Bullets.
July 22, 2019
A bit dated but not as much as it could be, given how old the book is, and still so much fun. I came to this author through the Monk books and am now reading through his long backlist. SciFi fans in particular will enjoy the satire of Hollywood and cons.
Read
January 11, 2021Made me laugh out loud! In a terrible week for our nation I was able to escape into the farsical world of Hollywood and network tv. I started out reading Bone Canyon by Lee Goldberg which was his latest Eve Ronin adventure. Then, looked around for more by this author. Heartily recommend.
January 28, 2021
*The* Vine
The eBook was sloppy and appeared to be completely unproofread, which constantly booted this reader out of an already precarious story. In hard copy, this could be fun, escapist, brain candy.
The eBook was sloppy and appeared to be completely unproofread, which constantly booted this reader out of an already precarious story. In hard copy, this could be fun, escapist, brain candy.
April 12, 2024
Ridiculous humor
This was not at all what I expected. Tremendously funny and at the same time incredibly ridiculous. I am surprised the author and publisher haven't been sued by owners at Star Trek and William Shatner.
This was not at all what I expected. Tremendously funny and at the same time incredibly ridiculous. I am surprised the author and publisher haven't been sued by owners at Star Trek and William Shatner.
April 7, 2025
A twisting, hilariously funny book,
Charlie rides again! Goldberg has one seriously twisted mind to come up with this one. Fun read, see if you can keep all the characters straight.
Charlie rides again! Goldberg has one seriously twisted mind to come up with this one. Fun read, see if you can keep all the characters straight.
April 7, 2019
Not quite my type of book, but ok
January 22, 2020
Hilarious
This book continues the adventures of Charlie Willis and his new found position in life with all of the hilarity and excitement of the first book. I loved it!
This book continues the adventures of Charlie Willis and his new found position in life with all of the hilarity and excitement of the first book. I loved it!
April 26, 2021
Awful
Too many characters
Stupid no plot
Sex and murder and gore all tangled with each act, whatever that is
Goldberg has lost his entertainment factor
Too many characters
Stupid no plot
Sex and murder and gore all tangled with each act, whatever that is
Goldberg has lost his entertainment factor
October 17, 2022
Nice blend of humor and mystery
January 30, 2011
“Dead Space” by Lee Goldberg.
The basic premise of this book is a group of washed up Beyond the Beyond (essentially Star Trek) actors and producers take offense to the studio putting out a remake of the original. The Captain, who believes himself to truly be the character he played in the 60’s pulls together his team to kill anyone that stands in their way.
This all turns into a cop murder-mystery with lots of sex, violence, bad acting, and people dressing up in costume for Beyondicon.
This is not the sort of book I normally read, but I subscribe to Lee’s blog, which I enjoy very much and he was giving away copies and asking for reviews, which I was very happy to give in exchange for free reading material.
This is not the sort of book I normally read, murder mysteries set in today’s world. I did take me a little bit to get into the plot too, but once I figured out what was going on I was sucked into the story.
I guess it goes to show that an exciting book is universal. All in all I’m glad I read outside my normal genre (fantasy) and explored other, more gritty stories.
The basic premise of this book is a group of washed up Beyond the Beyond (essentially Star Trek) actors and producers take offense to the studio putting out a remake of the original. The Captain, who believes himself to truly be the character he played in the 60’s pulls together his team to kill anyone that stands in their way.
This all turns into a cop murder-mystery with lots of sex, violence, bad acting, and people dressing up in costume for Beyondicon.
This is not the sort of book I normally read, but I subscribe to Lee’s blog, which I enjoy very much and he was giving away copies and asking for reviews, which I was very happy to give in exchange for free reading material.
This is not the sort of book I normally read, murder mysteries set in today’s world. I did take me a little bit to get into the plot too, but once I figured out what was going on I was sucked into the story.
I guess it goes to show that an exciting book is universal. All in all I’m glad I read outside my normal genre (fantasy) and explored other, more gritty stories.
April 14, 2014
Couldn't finish it. It was very sci-fi and I just couldn't get into it. The plot was just about killing every off and there was no real reason or explanation of it. It all seems too easy and none ever got caught. Only got halfway through it so I'm not sure how it all played out I could have forced myself to finish it but it was just not my genre so I decided to move on.
May 23, 2014
The second Charlie Willis book builds on the first and its atmosphere of giddy entertainment industry anarchy. Goldberg uses Willis as a foil for the insanity of Hollywood as helge fully butchers every sacred cow of the industry.
September 1, 2014
This was awfully goofy, a book for Star Trek fans who want to read a spoof about unhinged fans meddling murderously with a revival of a long-ended space exploration sci-fi TV show.
Mr. Goldberg writes far more cleverly in his partnership with Janet Evanovich. Time has been his friend.
Mr. Goldberg writes far more cleverly in his partnership with Janet Evanovich. Time has been his friend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews