Templeton is aiming at an insider's look at Hollywood screenwriting. The two begin with a party at the home of Gordon Cantrell. Cantrell teaches screenwriting, and generally moves along the fringes of big time Hollywood deal making. The party seems to be the right place to meet the kind of people they need to talk to.

The party, and the interview, are interrupted by the discovery of a body. The dead guest is Raymond Farr, an aspiring screenwriter and all 'round unpopular guy. The circumstances suggest murder, and Justice's investigative instincts are aroused. He also feels intrigued by, and protective of, the police detective's prime suspect, Farr's roommate, Danny Romero.

For both reasons, and for the story he and Templeton are still working on, he investigates on his own. He soon finds that the list of people who may have had good reason to want Farr dead is both extensive in number and impressive in terms of Hollywood power.

The feel is moody, sometimes stark, always convincing. Justice is an intriguing character; complex, passionate, compelling, with a dark, mysterious past that is revealed only gradually. As Justice uncovers the secrets surrounding Farr's life and death, he also becomes more deeply involved with Danny and is forced to confront memories of one of the most painful memories of his past; the death of his lover from AIDS. This exploration of the character is as intriguing as the mystery itself.

Revision of Justice is fast-paced and suspenseful, with a sexy edge that is in turns both harsh and moving. The second in the series (I also enjoyed the first book, Simple Justice), I finished it looking forward to seeing more of this character and this writer.

--Jeri Wright