REVIEW: University of Strangers by Bob Pfeifer (INDIE PICK OF THE MONTH)

Description

Through interviews, journal entries and news reports, the story unfolds of an underground society of international celebrities and cult figures who fight to uncover truth and banish injustice. Includes a dropcard to download five new songs by the Tabby Chinos!

About the Author

Bob Pfeifer is a founding member and songwriter for the Human Switchboard and currently the band Tabby Chinos. He was a Senior Vice President A&R / Epic/Sony Records and President of Hollywood Records, where he worked with artists including Alice Cooper, Ornette Coleman and The Screaming Trees, and on soundtracks like the Crow: City of Angels and Lion King. He lives with his son in Los Angeles. University of Strangers is his first novel.

Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Power City Press; First Edition edition (February 2, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061542595X
• ISBN-13: 978-0615425955

SOURCE:  AUTHOR

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

This turned out to be one of my favorite stories so far this year and combines mystery with conspiracy theories about Amanda Knox and a secret society.  I don't reread many books, but I had to go back and go through this one again once I figured out that the majority of people exist and and are newsworthy.  I ended up spending some time googling some of the story points about Amanda Knox and some other characters.  I had never heard of the author, Robert Bolano before and he plays a central part in the story.

This mystery written through journal entries, interviews and some narrative is the most unique thing I have read in awhile.  It reminded me a bit of Hunter S. Thompson.  I loved how each word counts and there aren't a lot of unnecessary descriptive elements.  If you are looking for a quick, thoughtful mystery with a great punky soundtrack (you get a download card!), this is a great pick!  I received this book from the author at no cost in exchange for my honest review.