Book Review: Hollywood Underworld by Lindy S. Hudis

 

Hollywood Underworld by Lindy S. Hudis dives into the dark and seedy underbelly of the land where dreams are made. Unfortunately, for many, it's more like the world of nightmares.

Dani Foxx is a former actress who now runs a management company in the San Fernando Valley. Sexy and determined, she's eager to meet Nick Savage, a handsome actor who she is sure will be a star. When Nick is a no-show, and then is found dead days later, Dani, her daughter Dale, and partner A.J. Tarentella are drawn into a world of sex, drugs, and crimes that swirl beneath all the glitter and gold of Tinseltown where lethal secrets and ruthless ambition run wild.

With Hollywood Underworld, Hudis has crafted a sinister and believable tale of the dark side of Hollywood. Dani is a strong female lead that isn't afraid to tackle work and life head on. She's got a spirited teenage daughter that gives her a run for her money. Dani and A.J. make a nice team. 

As I thought about how I would describe this novel, because I liked the premises and the main characters, I read a review that captured what was rambling through my brain--it felt disjointed. They meant it as a compliment, because it harkened back to a certain movie genre they enjoyed that gets snippets from multiple points of view. For me, popping into and out the heads of so many characters left me grasping to fully focus on the main characters' arcs. When Dale is in danger, I felt rushed into it, and then before I knew it, the issue was resolved. I needed more build up. And the editor in me struggled with a book that felt it could have lost 100 pages and still been a great story. 

Hollywood Underworld holds promise as a potential series, which is what seems to be the plan. There are more adventures for Dani, A.J., and Dale that I look forward to reading. The author writes what she knows, giving this series a touch that only she can provide. 

If you enjoy gritty thrillers, give Hollywood Underworld a shot.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09BYPQSD4
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (August 4, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 409 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8450037851

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.