Casanegra

Richard Allen moves sleekly into the beguiling character of Tennyson Hardwick--out-of-work actor and former gigolo. An old friend--a rap-star-turned-actress--offers him a job and is then found murdered. Tenn turns into suspect number one despite his father's sterling reputation as a retired police captain. Richard Allen transitions from the speech of Tenn's father, a stroke victim, to the vulgarity of the rap world Tenn investigates as he looks for the real culprit. A roller coaster of violent encounters and sexual escapades highlight actor Underwood's ("L.A. Law") first novel, and Allen narrates the ride with aplomb. D.P.D. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

May 14, 2007
A
ctor Underwood (Sex and the City
, etc.) teams up with accomplished authors Due and Barnes to produce a seamlessly entertaining novel. Tennyson Hardwick—semisuccessful actor, ex-gigolo and incipient sleuth—has the mixed fortune to reconnect with rap superstar Afrodite, a former client, for a night of more than just sex. The next day, she's found dead in a plastic bag with a split skull, and he's a suspect. To clear his name, Hardwick draws on all of his considerable assets: good looks and charm, a $2.5 million house inherited from a devoted client, martial arts skills (Barnes's stock in trade) and connections on both sides of the law. The authors have mixed up a cocktail of exotic elements—the sex for pay industry, the grind and glitz of Hollywood and the rap biz, a smart leavening of black film history—and topped it with a double shot of brutal murder. Handsome “Ten” Hardwick has not only a great backstory but a very promising future. 6-city author tour.

November 1, 2007
Actor Underwood has written a steamy mystery of the hard-boiled genre, set in Hollywood's rap culture. Tennyson (Ten) Hardwick, out-of-work actor, martial arts expert, and former gigolo, finds himself the top suspect in the murder of successful rap artist "Afrodite." Ten knew her well and loved her as Serena before her rap star days. When they run into each other by chance, Ten casually gives her his card for a chance at an acting job and returns with her to her apartment for a sexual encounter that is described explicitly. The next day, he is confronted by stern police officers who ask him about his movements during the past 24 hours. Afrodite has been killed, and his best defense is to find the real killer, but this decision brings Ten into contact with a past he would rather forget and with corrupt cops who would just as soon kill him as arrest him. Mounting fear and violence, ironic humor, and lots of foreshadowing make for a gripping story. Richard Allen uses his deep, musical voice to portray a cultured, self-confident Ten and departs from this voice into believable tough guys and gals, a Polish policeman, and an Asian madam, to name a few. Recommended for listeners who would appreciate the hard-boiled mystery brought into the 21st century.Juleigh Muirhead Clark, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Lib., Colonial Williamsburg Fdn., VA

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.