Book Review: Scavenger Hunt

Reviewed By: Donna M - RAM

Scavenger Hunt     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Robert Ferrigno
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Jimmy Gage # 2
Pantheon; 2003; $24.95; 324 pages

Reporter Jimmy Gage, his good pal Rollo, and a pair of luscious twin sisters are out on a scavenger hunt organised by Gage's boss Nino Napitano - powerful owner of sleazy magazine SLAP. They've got the nude group photo at a Hollywood landmark; now they just need the last item on the list - a major category Oscar. And Rollo knows just where to find one. It belongs to disgraced film director Garrett Walsh, who's hiding out following his release from jail after 7 years inside for raping and murdering a 15 year old girl. Walsh has written a screenplay about the case and he wants to give Jimmy the scoop. In Walsh's version he was set up, and he wants to blow the lid on some nasty secrets. But Garrett isn't the only one who thinks this is the most dangerous screenplay in Hollywood.

Set in the larger than life world that is Hollywood, this is a dark book about ambition, greed, desperation and corruption, told in a breezy manner with great flair and humour. Jimmy is an engaging hero - dangerous and mysterious, but sensitive and moral (in a slightly immoral way). The cast of supporting characters are excellent, and there are one or two who are real stand outs. Reading Scavenger Hunt is like experiencing a rather surreal fairground ride - thrilling, surprising, and really good fun. A great follow up to Flinch.

Donna M - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Donna M - RAM