Explosive, powerful and darker than a black hole in deep space, Everybody Knows will put you in a choke hold and not let go until it’s probed the far reaches of your soul. It’s a haunting, gritty, immaculately written tale that will leave you completely breathless and utterly thunderstruck. Jordan Harper has crafted a brilliant masterpiece of crime noir that promises to live rent free in your brain for months after completion.
Mae Pruett is a black-bag publicist, working to own the narrative and win in the court of public opinion for her rich and famous clients when they do something unsavory. Chris Tamburro is a dirty ex-cop – and Mae’s ex-lover – who is a fixer/investigator for a lawyer who represents the same wealthy clientele as Mae’s PR firm. They are just two of the many individuals who make up “The Beast,” the dark underbelly of Los Angeles that exists to serve and protect the interests and debauchery of the wealthy and powerful. When Mae’s boss is gunned down in the streets of Beverly Hills on the eve of sharing a huge and potentially lucrative secret with her, Mae hooks up with Chris to investigate and unravel the mystery with the hopes of hitting it big. But secrets like this are dangerous, with very influential people willing to do anything to keep them in the dark. Mae and Chris might be in over their heads but if they play it smart, they just might find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Maybe even some redemption. But only if they can survive “The Beast.”
Everybody Knows contains a sadly realistic storyline that not only feels ripped from the headlines, but also taps into the innate nature of humans to desire fame and fortune. It’s these two features that make it relatable and allows the reader to make connections with characters with whom they wouldn’t normally associate or come into contact. Which leads to what makes this novel special. Mae and Chris are employed by the dark side of the celebrity industry with responsibilities that are slimy at best and despicable at worst, which should make them inherently loathsome and unredeemable. In fact, the investigation they undertake is derived from hatching a get rich quick scheme that includes morally bankrupt motivations and possibly illegal activity. But as the story progresses, they are forced to face their actions and the people they have become, searching their souls to determine if they are so far gone and self-centered that it’s just about the money or if they can eschew a big payday in the name of doing what’s honorable and righteous. And it’s through this self-reflection and their resulting behavior that Mae and Chris worm their way into your heart and have you hopeful for a happy ending you don’t think is possible, but think they probably deserve. Because everyone loves a redemption story. And that’s a big part why Everybody Knows is so phenomenal.
This was my first Jordan Harper book, but on the basis of this story alone he has entered “must read” territory whenever he publishes a new novel. It’s so damn good it’s ridiculous. Do yourself a favor and kick off 2023 in style by getting a copy of Everybody Knows, finding a quiet spot and diving into this magnificent piece of literature.
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