Unscripted, by Davis Bunn (Revell, 2019)
In Unscripted, Davis Bunn’s compelling prose pulls readers into the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking.
When up-and-coming line producer Danny Byrd is sprung from jail for a crime he didn’t commit by a team of lawyers who won’t disclose who’s paying them, he seizes the chance to rebuild his career. The catch: a short deadline and no script. Danny and his team will be filming as they write.
Megan Pierce, one of Danny’s new lawyers, stays involved as the project goes ahead. She and Danny are attracted to one another, but he’s carrying a lot of baggage. Some of the actors also come with issues, weaving a thread of second chances through the novel.
It’s fascinating to watch the film project unfolding and affecting the people involved. Some of the legal and contract wrangling went over my head, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story.
My one concern involves elements of the ending. Not wanting to give spoilers, all I can say is that if I understood the activity of the hidden enemy, then I don’t understand a resolution that gives them a business opportunity instead of legal charges. I was also disappointed not to see Danny at least tentatively investigating the faith of some key mentors.
Overall, Unscripted is an enjoyable read with characters and plot that catch the imagination and the heart.
Favourite lines:
A dawn mist drifted through the streets, as vague as his whispers of fear and regret. [Kindle location 355]
His burdens were too heavy. He could not be bothered to carry lies as well. [Kindle location 2813]
Her silence was a dagger that carved away at all his arguments. [Kindle location 3372]
Recommended for readers who enjoy Hollywood stories, legal drama, relationships, and second chances.
Davis Bunn is a multi-award-winning author in a variety of Christian fiction genres as well as clean mainstream fiction. As Thomas Locke, he writes fantasy and techno-thrillers.
[Book has been provided via #NetGalley courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.]