A Book A Week

The historic Los Angeles Cecil Hotel is notorious for a range of reasons. Its grand architecture reflects the 1920s era of its construction when even this 700-room budget hotel displayed the lavish attributes of more upscale buildings. However, in later years, The Cecil garnered a darker reputation. Located on the fringes of Skid Row, the property has accommodated individuals grappling with various personal demons. Most notably, the infamous serial killer Richard Ramirez resided in one of its rooms during the height of his reign of terror.

Recently, the hotel has regained the spotlight as the focal point of Netflix's "Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel." This docuseries delves into the enigmatic disappearance and death of hotel guest Elisa Lam. I was utterly captivated as I watched each of the four episodes, drawn into the mystery surrounding this woman's tragic end and the ominous history of the hotel itself. Amy Price, who served as the general manager of the property during the Elisa Lam incident, played a prominent role in the series. When her publisher offered me a copy of her book, Behind the Door, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to explore her firsthand experiences with this infamous establishment.

Behind the Door is a compelling blend of memoir and exposé, offering an opportunity to set the record straight regarding Price's experiences at The Cecil Hotel and the events that have contributed to its notorious reputation. Price vividly recounts how she initially found herself in the role at The Cecil. Originally brought in for a brief three-day interior design assignment aimed at modernizing a portion of the hotel, her success in this endeavor led to her prolonged involvement. Her unwavering determination and dedication soon secured her position as manager.

Within the book, Price delves into the formidable challenges of managing an aging hotel, essentially divided into two distinct businesses. The first comprised the original section, primarily occupied by long-term residents, many of whom grappled with mental illness and addiction, drawn to the location due to its affordable rent. The second part represented the refurbished hotel segment, striving to attract tourists to the struggling area. In hindsight, Price acknowledges that this business model was bound to fail, but in the moment, she was resolute in her efforts to make it a success.

The book dedicates much of its narrative to presenting Price's perspective on the Elisa Lam case. It becomes evident in her storytelling that the Netflix series edited her interviews to fit the narrative they intended to convey. Through the book, Price is afforded the opportunity to provide the missing context that was omitted from the series. While watching the series, viewers might have been surprised by Price's seemingly nonchalant demeanor regarding Elisa Lam's disappearance. However, the book reveals that such incidents were all too common during her tenure at The Cecil. In fact, cases of death and disappearance were, sadly, an inherent part of her job. As readers delve deeper into the text, it becomes increasingly apparent that The Cecil Hotel is a place burdened with a dark and tragic history extending far beyond the Lam case.

While I valued the opportunity to gain more insights into this fascinating history, Behind the Door does suffer from certain narrative inconsistencies. Price presents her experiences in an almost stream-of-consciousness manner, leaping from one event to the next without much consideration for crafting a cohesive narrative arc. Consequently, some parts of the story are more engaging than others. It left me yearning for a more chronological structure. While the story itself is captivating and adds depth to our understanding of the building's storied past, the book's presentation can feel a bit disorganized. All this aside, it's evident that Price has a deep appreciation for the property and the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to maintain its operations. The book even opens with a heartfelt tribute to one of these individuals. It undoubtedly serves as a means to raise awareness about the place and the dedicated team behind its daily functioning.

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

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Do you judge a book by its cover? While I'd like to say otherwise, a book's cover often catches my attention first. Of course, I always delve into the synopsis to gauge my interest, but an eye-catching cover can definitely pique my curiosity even more. While I may not be the best judge of cover art, I received Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper from the publisher earlier this year, and admittedly, its cover didn't immediately grab me. The LA skyline and enigmatic eyes at the top seemed washed out by the bright red background. After letting it sit on my shelf for a while, however,  I eventually read the synopsis and found it intriguing enough to dive in. Surprisingly, the story inside proved to be much more enthralling than the cover might suggest.

Step into Mae Pruett's Los Angeles, a city where silence reigns, and secrets are shielded by whispers. Mae, a "black-bag" publicist for one of LA's most influential crisis PR firms, is the guardian of the rich, powerful, and morally questionable. She's become an expert at containing their most ruinous scandals, the kind of controversies that could destroy their status and reputation. When her boss is unexpectedly murdered, Mae embarks on a daring solo investigation, uncovering the labyrinthine operations of "The Beast," a complex network of lawyers, PR agents, and security firms that operates ruthlessly to protect the elite. 

Mae's journey propels her into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, a world illuminated by neon hues and fueled by pharmaceuticals and illusions. She'll face the dichotomies unique to the city she inhabits like the luxurious mansions overlooking sprawling homeless encampments and encounters with corrupt police who break the very laws they are tasked to enforce. Seeking solace in her ex-lover Chris, a former cop turned private investigator, Mae becomes entwined in a battle against the forces she once served. Along the way, she might expose the hidden truths driving the city's powerful and corrupt aristocracy.

In Everybody Knows, Jordan Harper masterfully crafts a neo-noir thriller that seamlessly blends the genre's traditional elements with a contemporary twist. Drawing inspiration from noir's rich legacy, Harper brings it into the modern era with finesse. The novel encapsulates all the classic ingredients of crime noir. Two compelling antiheroes embroiled in moral dilemmas spark reader empathy. At the same time, the vivid Los Angeles backdrop becomes an integral third character, shrouding the narrative in a blend of atmospheric intrigue and darkness.

Harper skillfully navigates the dynamic between glamour and destitution, highlighting the morally ambiguous individuals that populate his tale. Amidst these timeless noir tactics, Harper introduces a plot deeply rooted in the present, delving into the complex implications of the "Me too" movement. He fearlessly explores the intricate balance between deserved consequences and the actual impact on those who wielded their power to exploit. This merging of classic noir methods with contemporary themes results in an engrossing, unputdownable thriller that leaves a lasting impact. Despite its unassuming cover, Everybody Knows is a true gem that shines as brightly as the neon lights of the city it is set in. 

For more information, visit Amazon and Goodreads. 

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