EVERYBODY KNOWS

Narrators Megan Tusing and William DeMeritt swap chapters in this excellent updated take on L.A. noir. Tusing voices Mae Pruitt, a "black bag" publicist who covers up Hollywood dirt. DeMeritt narrates the chapters dealing with Chris Tamburro, an ex-L.A. cop who suffers from faux heart attacks. As their stories merge, the two narrators build on each other's performances to present a spirited but cynical take on Hollywood, private security, teen stars, the police, and L.A. real estate development. The writing is skillful--reminiscent of James Ellroy's with a fresh gloss--and the snappy dialogue gives Tusing and DeMeritt plenty to run with. Their narrative duet powers the mystery's arc and existential ending. R.W.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]