The Bad Guy

Rating:
Summary: Action! Cut!
Review: Mark Lanio leads the reader smoothly through transitions between film scenes and
reality in his new "action" thriller "The Bad Guy."

"Action!" John Duncan shouted the word when he was little more than a year old. For now, he is perfectly content to play "The Bad Guy" rolls he's cast in on the way to reaching his goal of becoming a director.

The opportunity to work on Cerner Studios new project based on Ian Barnhardt's popular McCain Diaries novels seems like a good way to make some progress towards that goal. And working with two friends and top industry names, director Marty McGregor and producer Cliff Jenkins makes it worth putting up with the prima-donna attitude and antics of the leading man Mark Lewis. Besides, Cerner's reputation for integrity and staying true-to-the-art makes them a great studio to work for. It's why Eliza Barnhardt chose them to represent her father's work after his death.

John is surprised, a little pleased, and a little disconcerted when Marty informs him that part of Cerner's decision to cast him as Hume opposite Mark Lewis's McCain is based on his reputation as a problem solver, and a lot frustrated when Marty asks him to deal with one of Mark's little temper tantrums. It is about to become a lot more complicated. Cerner's stock is falling despite their production of Raising Cain, and they discover they have a mole, inside shoot information is showing up on the Internet almost the minute it happens. Trying figure out why the studio's stock is falling and combat the potential public relations nightmare of the information leak is bad enough, but when cinematographer Kenny Scott is killed on set, John is sure it is sabotage and is soon pulled into a malicious web of intrigue that threatens his life and Jan's.

Mark Lanio makes excellent use of his expertise in the computer field and deep interest in the film industry to add depth and credibility to the intriguing plot and unique style of
"The Bad Guy." Strong and memorable, his main character, John Duncan, guides the reader through a well-crafted maze of hints, clues, and suspects, then ploughs through, centering you in the hair-raising climax right along with him.

Rating:
Summary: A Fine First Novel
Review: Ok....

First up. Disclosure. Mark Lanio is my best friend. I got to read this book before everyone else because I helped proofread it.

With that said, I also want you to know that I'm addicted to the printed word. I read. A Lot. I don't have a whole lot of patience for poor fiction. This is not poor fiction.

I enjoyed this read from start to finish. It entertained me and, when appropriate, made me both laugh and cry. (Ok, I lied. I'm not that big a wuss. I haven't cried while reading a book since I was six. It does have moments that will make you cry, though, if you are that in touch with your feelings.)

I think "It entertained me" says it all though. That's all one can expect from a book. This one delivers.

Buy this book. Hopefully that will encourage Mark to write another one.