Indiana takes a searching look of the Los Angeles I know, and more importantly, that I don't know. The presumptive topic of the book is told from the viewpoint of Seth, a writer out from New York to profile a bland, glossy movie star for a bland, glossy magaine, and when he can snag a seat, to cover the Menendez trial (here called the "Martinez" trial). There are almost too many diversions and subplots to count, but Indiana's stream-of-consciousness flow of words keeps the momentum going.
He manages to take potshots at Dominick Dunne, John Gregory Dunne, Joan Didion, Leslie Abramson, Scientologists, the Chateau Marmont, and a ton of other semi-recognizable names, but figuring out who's who isn't all that important.
Those who are repelled by gay sex and the demimonde probably should stay away. (...)