From the Publisher
Drew Danner , an L.A.-based crime novelist, awakens in a hospital bed with a scar on his head, blood under his nails, and a cop by his side. Accused of murdering his ex-fiancée, Drew has no memory of the crime but reconstructs the story the only way he knows how—as a novel. As he searches the dark corridors of his life and the city he loves, another young woman is similarly murdered and Drew must confront the very real possibility of his own guilt. A thrilling piece of contemporary L.A. noir, The Crime Writer is sure to boost Hurwitz's profile as one of the coming masters of the genre.
Robert Crais
The must-read crime novel of the year. Brilliantly rendered with hip intelligence and fierce originality, this book is a stunner.
Dennis Lehane
A quantum leap forward in the realm of American suspense literature
Lee Child
Outstanding . . . Hurwitz's previous books—great as they were—look like practice swings before this titanic blast.
Booklist
Hurwitz's insights about L.A. life sound knowing and are often ruefully funny, e.g., "L.A., where a porn star runs for governor and an action figure wins." Crime fans looking for something different will love this one.
Publishers Weekly
Hurwitz's L.A. thriller has noir pulp chutzpah in spades, even if it does start out with a bang and end up shooting blanks. When Andrew "Drew" Danner, a crime novelist, is tried for the murder of his ex-fiancée, Genevieve Bertrand, beside whose body he was found holding a bloody knife, he pleads not guilty. He has no memory of how he got to the crime scene because of a breakdown caused by a recently removed brain tumor. Once he's found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity, Danner sets out to find the real killer-or discover some very nasty things about himself. Someone's also trying to frame him for a second murder that appears to be similar to that of Bertrand. Luckily, Danner gets help from old friend Chic, an ex-professional baseball player, and Lloyd Wagoner, a troubled police criminalist. A tense, page-turning first act leads to disappointing explanations involving the police and a misinterpreted phone message. Still, the fast pace and ingenious setup provide considerable tension. Hurwitz (Last Shot) may not have written a California classic, but it's a worthy effort. 5-city author tour.(July)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information
Kirkus Reviews
When crime writer Drew Danner is discovered standing over the dead body of his ex-fiancee, Genevieve, he quickly learns that real murder is a lot messier than the stories he pens. In the latest from Hurwitz (Last Shot, 2006, etc.), Danner wakes up in the hospital and learns two things: He has been accused of Genevieve's murder, and he has had brain surgery for the tumor that obliterated his memory of what happened. At his trial, the district attorney taunts him with his own writings: "I believe, in my darkest heart of hearts, that when fate and passion align, every last one of us . . . is capable of murder." After he is found not guilty by reason of temporary insanity, Danner struggles to remember the events leading to Genevieve's death. He can't imagine wanting to kill her, but doubts linger: What if he did do it? When a second woman is murdered and Danner's blood is found at the scene, he digs deeper to find the killer: Is it the convicted rapist whose brown Volvo was spotted at the scene? Is it a copycat killer? Who's trying to set Danner up? Is his own life in danger? With the help of his book editor, Preston, he begins to write down the story. Hector, a teenage graffiti artist in juvenile detention, and Danner's friend Chic help him dig into the case, as does Lloyd, the forensic specialist who has been his source for realistic details in his fiction. Hurwitz's carefully interwoven plot lines and taut writing-as well as his pulsing descriptions of Los Angeles-make for a deeply satisfying read, and the ending, revealed with masterful simplicity, shows the complex desires that make each of us capable of murder. A performance worthy of applause. Agent: Aaron Priest/Aaron M. PriestLiterary Agency
What People Are Saying
Robert Crais
"THE CRIME WRITER is the must read crime novel of the year. Brilliantly rendered with hip intelligence and fierce originality, this book is a stunner. Gregg Hurwitz may well have created a brand-name franchise-and deservedly so."
Dennis Lehane
"With THE CRIME WRITER, Gregg Hurwitz has taken a quantum leap forward in the realm of American suspense literature. A thrilling, mind- bending journey, it is also deeply humane and beautifully written. You'll turn the final page with profound regret."
Lee Child
"Outstanding in every way. Hurwitz's previous books - great as they were - look like practice swings before this titanic blast."
Brad Meltzer
"It'd be so simple to say that THE CRIME WRITER toys and pokes and jabs with the genre. And of course it does. But by merging author and hero, Hurwitz sharpens a brand-new edge in his voice. An elegant, engaging, and wonderfully human book."
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