LOSER'S TOWN

This first book by Daniel Depp shows that it pays to be a Hollywood insider. Depp, a screenwriter and the half brother of Johnny Depp, clearly knows the Hollywood genre inside out. His work is pure Hollywood noir. Narrator Don Leslie also makes this first outing of a rodeo cowboy turned private investigator a pleasure. As P.I. David Spandau attempts to shield a young actor from a blackmail attempt, the book is somewhat reminiscent of Elmore Leonard offerings—humorous and fast paced. Leslie milks every ounce of the writer's jabs at Hollywood characters. Yet when mobsters are on the scene, he makes them highly credible. The whole first chapter showcases Leslie's reading prowess, and he doesn't let you down through the very end. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2009]