"A satisfying thriller"

Reporter Jimmy Gage works the Hollywood beat for SLAP magazine, a "tabloid" known for trying to live up to its name. Jimmy interviews Garrett Walsh upon the release of the Oscar-winning director from prison after spending seven years incarcerated for the grim murder of a teenage actress. The most interesting point in the exchange occurs when Walsh, still insisting he is innocent, informs the journalist that he has written the screenplay for a movie about the real incident.

Cynical Jimmy assumes that either Garret is in denial or like every other convict just says he is innocent until someone murders Walsh and his screenplay "The Fall Guy" turns up missing. Unable to resist a follow-up story, Jimmy cynically works the underside of the movie industry compelled to learn the truth that he begins to believe never surfaced in the injustice of a courtroom.

SCAVENGER HUNT is a Hollywood noir those sub-genre fans will appreciate because of the deep nature of the key players. For instance, the antihero is sort of a modern Sam Spade combining deep-rooted cynicism with a strong moral fiber. The support cast such as his unsure "partner" and a kick butt policewoman provides depth to understanding Jimmy. Ironically the readers will know who did what before the reporter solves the two deaths, but the audience will fully relish the engaging return of this protagonist. (see FLINCH).

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 24, 2003