The Devil of Shakespeare: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Riveting Look Inside at the Dark Side of Celebrity
Review: Billy apparently drew from his experience on the Sunset Strip during the heyday of rock in the 80's and 90's to paint a dark portrait of the flipside of fame and celebrity in the land of Broken Dreams (L.A.). The main character, Darien Fable, is someone you will love, relate to and even despise at times. The supporting characters give you a seemingly accurate depiction of how it takes a small army to build the public image of an adored Hollywood celeb. Darien's dark past is also described in chilling detail in Part One, where the author throws taboo to the wind, and describes a childhood that seems horrific, however entirely believable in the context of the rest of the book, and proves essential in the building of Darien's success later in life, and ultimately to the climax of this gripping tale. Kudos to this first-time author who dares expose secrets of celebrity life, to take readers to dark places where contemporary fiction is afraid to go and for spinning a wildly-interesting story that combines several of people's guilty pleasures into one.

I also enjoyed the accompanying CD. Listen to the haunting tune a few times before you dig into the narrative, and you'll find yourself humming the soundtrack as you enjoy the story. A perfect companion to the book.

Rating:
Summary: Very original...
Review: I must say, I totally disagree with the person from Normal, who I believe by his/hers cloudy review, has never read The Devil of Shakespeare, but obviously visited the website and blurbs. Having lived in Los Angeles in the thick of the "business" I found this book to be refreshing by the originality/and satarical pace and patience of Author McCarthy. Sub-plots are running rapid throughout the book, but after I put it down, now some 24 hours later, I'm still reminded of their strong presence even up against "the great" Darian Fable. I was afraid this book would be a little dark by the title, but I have to say this merits a thumbs up, especially coming from (no disrespect) a former 80's musician turned author. As for the ending, it's so bizarre, it has to be a movie by today's standards. Well worth the straight hours of reading I put into it. And the songs a classic as well. So there.

Rating:
Summary: The Devil's Hand In The Business...
Review: I was amazed from the story's opening, I found it very intriguing. The hint of incestious beginnings to the rampant alcoholism and flagrant drug abuse is just the tip of the iceberg. Having been a former behind the scenes Hollywood cleanup man, I think the story of Darian Fable's rise to fame truly leaves you with the distinct impression that there is so much more, however; due to the very nature of Hollywood's history of money, power, corruption and greed, you may see little blurbs here and there about the goings on of the Hollywood set, but nothing is ever fully revealed. I do believe that, although "The Devil Of Shakespeare" is fictional reading, it does raise legitimate real world questions concerning the ethics, secrets and dark scandals of Hollywood's elite. I loved your story twists and the unexpected ending, which hints of Quentin Tarantino's genius. I would give more detail, but to say anything more would simply ruin it for anyone who has not yet read this novel. Suffice it to say, this book has characters that most people will readily relate to. Listening to the audio CD while reading this novel, definitely enhanced the ability to see the characters in your mind's eye. ***Of special note, it is a rarity that a book comes along, complete with a soundtrack which adds the perfect ambience to the storyline. Mr. McCarthy, I give you "5 STARS" for this your first effort and "Kudos" to you on a job well done! I will look forward to seeing this entry at the Cannes Film Festival.

A.E. Wright
CEO
Wright Records Inc.






Rating:
Summary: Excellent Debut
Review: Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. McCarthy's rat-tat-tat, stacatto delivery has the impact of the old Chicago Typewriter ( the Thompson sub machine gun ). Style and substance are perfectly blended in this intriguing story of fame, fortune, and the darker side of both. As mentioned by another reviewer, this novel has movie written all over it. The bonus CD features a really good song that ties in with the book. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something fresh and entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: BARBA
Review: This is an "Excellent book". The story line flowed, and kept me intrigued. The language is very raw, but necessary to the story and the pain of the characters. Billy shows the reader how real people in the entertainment business really are. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to many more from this author.

Rating:
Summary: Very original...
Review: Yes, well I just wanted to say that I actually have not read the book yet, but am going to purchase it. I am really good friends with Chip and through him I met Billy about 9 months ago. He is absolutely wonderful. I respect everyones opinion on the book. I mean after all everybody is different. The one thing I really wanted to emphasize though is that who ever purchases this really needs to listen to the CD. I was in the studio when it was recorded and I love the song and cannot wait to get the book. I could not make it to his book signing downtown, but cannot wait until I can see him again. Congratulations on the release Billy!! I love you!!!