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constantreader471's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars for a well written mystery/thriller that takes place in the hip hop/rap music world. D Hunter is a former bodyguard now talent manager. He has moved from NYC to Los Angeles. In this book he travels to Atlanta to sign a rapper named Lil Daye to a lucrative endorsement contract.
But then events from his past come back to haunt him. He and a contract killer named Ice were involved in a murder and this case may be reopened by the FBI. I thought that the plot moved along well. I read a previous book in this series, [b:To Funk and Die in LA|34145072|To Funk and Die in LA|Nelson George|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486849960l/34145072._SX50_.jpg|55182013] and I thought that there was too much discussion of music artists/styles. This book does discuss music artists/styles, but it is not as distracting.
How D resolves what turns out to be a conspiracy involving multiple players makes for an entertaining read. I read it in 2 days.
Some quotes: "But to D, strip clubs were only about one thing-loneliness. He'd never been to one that wasn't populated by sad-eyed, slack jawed, robotic men who used greenbacks and mechanized dancers to fake real human connection."
"When D watched the GOP debates he recognized a man working by the rules of a rap battle. He tagged his opponents with disrespectful nicknames and constantly sang his own praises with the superhuman energy of a cocky MC. His GOP opponents thought they were there to talk policy. #45 was there to dis."
Thank You Akashic Books for sending this book through LibraryThing.
But then events from his past come back to haunt him. He and a contract killer named Ice were involved in a murder and this case may be reopened by the FBI. I thought that the plot moved along well. I read a previous book in this series, [b:To Funk and Die in LA|34145072|To Funk and Die in LA|Nelson George|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486849960l/34145072._SX50_.jpg|55182013] and I thought that there was too much discussion of music artists/styles. This book does discuss music artists/styles, but it is not as distracting.
How D resolves what turns out to be a conspiracy involving multiple players makes for an entertaining read. I read it in 2 days.
Some quotes: "But to D, strip clubs were only about one thing-loneliness. He'd never been to one that wasn't populated by sad-eyed, slack jawed, robotic men who used greenbacks and mechanized dancers to fake real human connection."
"When D watched the GOP debates he recognized a man working by the rules of a rap battle. He tagged his opponents with disrespectful nicknames and constantly sang his own praises with the superhuman energy of a cocky MC. His GOP opponents thought they were there to talk policy. #45 was there to dis."
Thank You Akashic Books for sending this book through LibraryThing.
conceptuallysound's review against another edition
4.0
The Darkest Hearts is the 5th book in the series. Nelson George provides closure for several aspects of D. Hunter's life especially with D finding his mentor/friends manuscript. Quite a few characters float in & out the story with their special skill sets to assist each other accomplish goals and rid themselves of some demons. In the last book D began a new chapter of his life with managing Night. This led to the D Management Company and a nice expansion in LA. He has struggled to leave the past in Brownsville and on the East Coast...little did he know a few new faces were working just as hard to keep his past in the present. Several of his acquaintances are attempting the same: building new lives with new goals in new cities and new aspirations.
The D. Hunter series depicts the "ties that bind you" in the industry very well, imo. It gives an outsider a good look at how business turns personal too quickly and the importance of not to having all your chickens in one basket/business. Loyalty to many - Amos Pilgrim, Steven Kurtz and a few other seems to be just a word, especially when they see a chance for monetary gain. Ice and Serene Powers are different. Their loyalty to D Hunter has such a history that they can work together for the last time..as their special interests can continue to hold each other back, let alone destroy their lives.
I enjoyed how D continued to humbled himself with each step. He remembered someone did not have to help him as he helped/opened the door for others. He does his best to stay focused on his career goals and not getting pulled back into that life. He doesn't want just any intimate relationship either...he has goals and objectives to meet. The author provides glimpses of D's past throughout the book, which imo, draws out some sections. For new readers this is a plus! D has grown & matured so much through the series, I am hoping for more, yet not sure what else the author can through at him.
The D. Hunter series depicts the "ties that bind you" in the industry very well, imo. It gives an outsider a good look at how business turns personal too quickly and the importance of not to having all your chickens in one basket/business. Loyalty to many - Amos Pilgrim, Steven Kurtz and a few other seems to be just a word, especially when they see a chance for monetary gain. Ice and Serene Powers are different. Their loyalty to D Hunter has such a history that they can work together for the last time..as their special interests can continue to hold each other back, let alone destroy their lives.
I enjoyed how D continued to humbled himself with each step. He remembered someone did not have to help him as he helped/opened the door for others. He does his best to stay focused on his career goals and not getting pulled back into that life. He doesn't want just any intimate relationship either...he has goals and objectives to meet. The author provides glimpses of D's past throughout the book, which imo, draws out some sections. For new readers this is a plus! D has grown & matured so much through the series, I am hoping for more, yet not sure what else the author can through at him.
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