'Bad Publicity' brings hard-boiled, noir to the 21st century
‘Bad Publicity’ would be a hard-boiled, noir detective story with supernatural elements if such could be written about a journalist with no discernible clients living in the 21st century. Instead, the book uses the genre’s conventions and spins them to create a soft-boiled story that isn’t quite noir delivering some poignant messages about life, death and the importance, or lack thereof, of celebrity.
Jackson Hardy is a scandal rag reporter. Having destroyed his first career as a journalist, he has found something that pays the bills while he doesn’t have to work too hard, especially since a mysterious benefactor hooked him up with a disembodied dead woman. When Hardy reports on the extramarital affair of a Hollywood royal, he learns that some stories have dire consequences. The essential question here is will Hardy be able to save himself? While the ending is a bit abrupt, author Brian C. Baer shows the power and art in his craft by making it so. What is more important in life – making ends meet, living your principles, having a good standing amongst your peers? ‘Bad Publicity’ will give you something to chew on while you enjoy the depths that it delves into. If you want more book reviews and other writings, please subscribe to our Patreon. Thanks! I met the author at Lilac City Comic Con! |
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