Shafted by Mandasue HellerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 551
Publisher - Hodder
Blurb from Goodreads
Larry Logan is a small-time TV star with a mile-wide ego. When his latest show is axed, he is dismayed to find that the only work he can get is fronting a fake game show that is actually an undercover police sting designed to trap criminals. His reluctance evaporates, however, as the show rockets his career back to prime-time stardom, and when the lovely, shy Stephanie enters his life he thinks he finally has it made. But Larry doesn't know how dangerous those criminals are. He helped imprison some dangerous men—and they want revenge.
My Review
Larry Logan is a disgrace, at the top of his game on a tv show and raking the cash in he is rude, turning up drunk and rude and about to make the mistake of his life! When he pushes his luck one time too much he finds himself spurned from those who loved him, broke and fallen from grace. His only chance at redemption lies in accepting home truths, help from his agent and a new tv show that may boost him back onto the scene but at what cost. Liaising with producers and the police Larry gets involved in a new project were he meets Stephanie and Larry finds out the past isn't always easy to leave behind.
As always, I love the worlds Heller creates, the writing draws you in and the characters are despicable. Just when you think it can't get any worse for Larry there is another twist. I worked out one or two early on but there was plenty to keep you guessing and amused. Larry's life is just a car crash, you cringe for him and can see so many of hollywood's "finest" getting into one or two of these scrapes. 4/5 for me this time, I read this in practically one sitting, I have read most of Heller's work and will continue to do so. One of my fav gritty crime writers, for anyone who isn't familiar with this author, there is swearing, sex, drugs, violence and themes that coincide with the darker side of society.
The book sounds good. I like the premise of the plot. I believe that there have been several real life instances where police have set up fake gameshows to catch real criminals.
ReplyDeleteA fake game show that is actually an undercover police sting - I'm intrigued.
ReplyDeleteActually its funny you posting this review now as I was in the library yesterday where they had a big display promoting this very authors books. Next time I'm passing I'll be sure to try and get a picture to share with you and will of course pick up a copy of Shafted.