BE COOL

The sequel to GET SHORTY is more of a continuation as former loan shark Chili Palmer, already a Hollywood producer, takes on the music business--and some shady characters--to help an aspiring singer and develop an idea for his next picture. Alexander Adams, using his regular voice, doesn't sound the way I'd imagined Chili Palmer--street-smart and ultra-cool--but his low-key announcer's voice is otherwise effective, letting Leonard's sharp, witty dialogue stand on its own. Adams does better with the wide range of smaller parts, from cops to Hollywood executives to rappers. Cool, like many Leonard novels, has quite a bit of profanity, including racial slurs. J.A.S. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 00]