Putnam, Oct 2004, 25.95, 336 pp.
ISBN: 0399152202
After years working as a Beverly Hills detective, Rick Barron is busted down to police officer because he got his captain's daughter pregnant. One night he witnesses a traffic accident and recognizes that famous movie star Clete Barrow caused it. He quickly removes the license plates and registration from the vehicle so that no one knows that Clete caused the accident while under the influence of alcohol. On Clete's instructions, Rick calls Eddie Harris, a Centurion Studios Executive, who knows the right people to make the mess go away.
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Eddie is so impressed with Rick's handling of the fiasco he offers him a job as head of security. Rick eagerly accepts the position. His first assignment is to baby sit Clete until the film is finished. In the course of his new job, he crosses paths with Rick Stampano who has connections with Bugsy Siegel and Lucky Luciano. Stampano has a habit of beating up and almost killing studio girls; Rick tries to intercede and makes a deadly enemy. In an act of revenge, Stampano beats up Rick's fiancée, an incident that must not go unpunished.
The antagonist is a nasty person whom today would be considered a stalker for his preying on starlets, but the law cannot touch him since none of the victims want the adverse publicity. This is a complex thriller about Hollywood, home to extortion, blackmail, and murder.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner