The Syndicate - Hardcover

Guy Bolton lives in London and has worked in publishing, film and television. Guy is also a screenwriter whose work has been optioned by Bedlam Productions, Hat Trick and Tiger Aspect. He is the author of The Pictures. Last year it was short-listed in the Telegraph Harvill Secker crime writing competition and the CWA New Blood Award.

"This debut novel by a British screenwriter takes its time drawing readers into the glitzy, deadly world of Old Hollywood. A solid read for fans of the silver screen and intelligent detective novels."
--Library Journal

"Guy Bolton manages to create real atmosphere in THE PICTURES. Kudos to him for that atmosphere ― which isn't restricted to just the MGM lot and the glamorous Lilac Club downtown, but also includes several disparate Los Angeles neighborhoods where interesting crimes might take place."
--NPR Books

"[Bolton] writes with pace and verve and gives the reader a cast of endearingly flawed characters who are easy to like. Craine himself goes on a profound personal journey, much of which revolves around his relationship with his son. This is neatly balanced by his sidekick, O’Neill, who lives in the shadow of his heroic father. The result is a novel which is, on one level, an accomplished crime thriller but, on another, a sensitive and serious exploration of the relationships between fathers and sons. A thoroughly enjoyable read, best accompanied by popcorn, a soda, and an old MGM movie."
--Historical Novel Society

"Bolton’s laser-sharp noir thriller suggests a range of writing experience beyond his years.... he vividly evokes a vanished era."
--Financial Times

"THE PICTURES is a compelling and dazzling debut for fans of Raymond Chandler and James Ellroy. Bolton's tightly paced mystery vividly re-creates 1930s Hollywood and is enriched with complicated, fascinating and flawed characters."
-- Shelf Awareness

"[A] nifty noir premise.... Bolton has imagination to spare."
--Publishers Weekly

"Bolton spins a lurid tale of Hollywood after dark, complete with drugs, prostitution, and pornography.... nicely mixing Hollywood glamour with backroom sleaze."
--Booklist