Review of Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper
There’s something utterly magnetic about a well-spun tale of crime and intrigue, especially when it echoes the pulse of a city like Los Angeles. I picked up Everybody Knows, the second novel by Jordan Harper, not only because I loved his debut, She Rides Shotgun, but also due to my fascination with the gritty undertones of LA noir. This latest offering had me enthralled from page one, compelling me to stay up past my bedtime—a rarity for this book blogger.
Harper expertly intertwines two riveting narratives, centering on Mae Pruett, a savvy publicist with a talent for burying stories that threaten to tarnish her clients’ reputations, and Chris Tamburro, an ex-sheriff’s deputy turned muscle for a private security firm. The shocking murder of Mae’s boss, right after a cryptic meeting at the posh Beverly Hills Hotel, sets off a chain of events that unravels a darker, layered conspiracy. The interplay between Mae and Chris is masterfully drawn; they are both flawed yet fiercely determined, making their partnership feel both natural and tense as they dig deeper into the murky waters of deceit.
One aspect of Harper’s writing that struck me was his seamless use of close third-person perspective. This approach not only mitigates the dreaded whiplash often felt in otherwise juggling narratives, but it also provides an intimate lens through which we watch our protagonists navigate a world of hidden agendas. Harper’s style is punchy—each chapter filled with the sharpness of dialogue and the allure of the high-stakes environment. He doesn’t shy away from the ugliness that lurks beneath the surface of glamour, and I found his candid descriptions both refreshing and unsettling.
In a bold commentary on the entertainment industry, Harper introduces thinly veiled versions of real-life figures, such as the abhorrent Dan Schneider and Jeffrey Epstein. This clever approach doesn’t merely serve to provoke; it starkly reveals how whispers can hold power in a world where silence often shields predators. The refrain that “nobody talks, but everybody whispers” resonates throughout the novel, encapsulating the chilling essence of the industry Harper critiques.
There’s a memorable line that captures the novel’s essence: "Blackmail isn’t unheard of in the black-bag world." It echoes the pervading theme of corruption that runs deep within both the characters’ lives and the city’s intricate web of influence. This tension kept me hooked, as I consistently questioned where the plot was headed.
For those who relish richly layered crime fiction and enjoy uncovering societal truths within a fictional framework, Everybody Knows is a must-read. Harper’s portrayal of LA is both authentic and captivating, reflecting the city’s sprawling diversity and its underlying societal rot.
Ultimately, reading Everybody Knows was not just an engaging experience; it was a journey through the shadows of a city I thought I knew. Harper has solidified his place in contemporary crime fiction, and I find myself eagerly awaiting what he crafts next. If you enjoy stories that challenge perceptions while simultaneously thrilling you with edge-of-your-seat plots, don’t pass up on this exhilarating ride.