THE PRINCE OF BEVERLY HILLS by Stuart Woods
Stuart Woods' latest novel, THE PRINCE OF BEVERLY HILLS, is one of his best in recent years. This novel forgoes Woods' usual cast of characters, particularly Stone Barrington, and goes back in time to Hollywood of the forties. In this setting he focuses on Rick Barron, a policeman turned Studio Security Chief, and the adventures that ensue.
Woods does an excellent job of recreating this era and putting his story and his characters into the Hollywood scene. Barron is hired by Centurian Studios as their Security Officer and as such he has daily contact with the stars on the studio lot. One in particular is Clete Barrow. He is a leading man who is friends with the likes of Clark Gable and David Niven.
Barron also meets real life gossip maven Hedda Hopper who dubs him "the Prince of Beverly Hills" because of his Hollywood connections. He loves this new life he has found and spends his time going to the clubs and meeting beautiful women, most of whom are somehow connected with the movie business.
There is also a dark side to this life. Rick soon meets Chick Stampano, a thug who brutalizes women and is protected by the likes of mobsters Charlie Luciano and Ben "Bugsy" Siegel. Rick and Stampano quickly become adversaries and from that point on Rick knows his life is in jeopardy.
Woods writes in a simple and direct style that perfectly suits this story. There isn't a lot of effort spent in creating long descriptions of the personalities of the main characters. Their actions speak for themselves and give you the impression of the person, and in this type of story that is enough. The reader still gets the essence of Barron and Stampano, as well as other side characters.
Stuart Woods takes his story all the way from Hollywood to the battlegrounds of the Pacific. He touches on the history of the pre-war era and the war itself. But this background never dwarfs the basic story. The plot always remains centered on Barron and his exploits.
Stuart Woods is a genius at knowing his fan base and the type of stories they want to receive from him. This latest novel is perfect for the readers who follow Woods' career. They want books that are simple and direct, and that is what he provides.
THE PRINCE OF BEVERLY HILLS is published by G P Putnam's Sons. It contains 336 pages and sells for $25.95.