CASANEGRA

Richard Allen moves sleekly into the beguiling character of Tennyson Hardwick--out-of-work actor and former gigolo. An old friend--a rap-star-turned-actress--offers him a job and is then found murdered. Tenn turns into suspect number one despite his father's sterling reputation as a retired police captain. Richard Allen transitions from the speech of Tenn's father, a stroke victim, to the vulgarity of the rap world Tenn investigates as he looks for the real culprit. A roller coaster of violent encounters and sexual escapades highlight actor Underwood's ("L.A. Law") first novel, and Allen narrates the ride with aplomb. D.P.D. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]