A compelling, fast-paced thriller you won't want to put down.
Method by Philip Henry is a terrific romp of crime novel cleverly set in the world of celebrity filmmaking and the media. Its protagonist is the rising film star Sean Black who is a sex-fuelled narcissist on overdrive.
Without wanting to give too much of the plot away, suffice it to say that this thoroughly unpleasant piece of work manages to master his craft of acting by literally living his parts off set. It’s a ploy that pays dividends in getting him the attention he so desperately seeks and landing him plum roles. But living his roles away from the camera is a dangerous, thoroughly immoral, and ultimately murderous game.
There are plenty of backstories to take in along the way. These concern both Black and his wonderfully elderly American agent Avi who is an amiable and thoroughly likeable rogue.
The narrative is very nicely structured and well-paced - and seamlessly combines articles from newspapers and celebrity gossip columns.
I love the way Henry manages to convey the adrenaline-injected world of showbiz and celebrity, all of which has the aura of authenticity - and using it as a backcloth to Sean Black’s monumental criminal activities.
The crescendo to this roller-coaster of a crime yarn is absolutely pitch-perfect. And I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Bravo!
Method by Philip Henry is a terrific romp of crime novel cleverly set in the world of celebrity filmmaking and the media. Its protagonist is the rising film star Sean Black who is a sex-fuelled narcissist on overdrive.
Without wanting to give too much of the plot away, suffice it to say that this thoroughly unpleasant piece of work manages to master his craft of acting by literally living his parts off set. It’s a ploy that pays dividends in getting him the attention he so desperately seeks and landing him plum roles. But living his roles away from the camera is a dangerous, thoroughly immoral, and ultimately murderous game.
There are plenty of backstories to take in along the way. These concern both Black and his wonderfully elderly American agent Avi who is an amiable and thoroughly likeable rogue.
The narrative is very nicely structured and well-paced - and seamlessly combines articles from newspapers and celebrity gossip columns.
I love the way Henry manages to convey the adrenaline-injected world of showbiz and celebrity, all of which has the aura of authenticity - and using it as a backcloth to Sean Black’s monumental criminal activities.
The crescendo to this roller-coaster of a crime yarn is absolutely pitch-perfect. And I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Bravo!
