August 29, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Brentwood Bookstore Welcomes a Hollywood Insider and Secret Service Agent for a Night of Noir

Tinseltown Thrills Meet Real-Life Intrigue With Author of To Live and Die in LA

Diesel, A Bookstore will host a literary evening of intrigue and suspense on Thursday, August 7, featuring authors Thom Mount and Gerald Petievich in conversation and book signing. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the bookstore’s courtyard at 225 26th St., Suite 33. Admission is free, though seating is limited and can be reserved with the purchase of either author’s book.

Mount, a veteran Hollywood producer and former president of Universal Pictures, will discuss his new novel Rafferty Returns, a razor-sharp thriller set amid the chaos of a high-stakes studio crisis. The book follows Jon Rafferty, a once-disgraced PR executive turned crisis fixer, who is thrust into a deadly investigation days before the release of the studio’s most anticipated film. Featuring corrupt cops, MS-13 enforcers, and Hollywood power plays, the novel explores the cost of secrets and the price of redemption in a city built on illusion.

Joining Mount is Gerald Petievich, a former U.S. Secret Service agent and crime novelist, whose latest work, 13 Hillcrest Drive, delves into the deadly world behind Beverly Hills’ polished exterior. The story centers on Detective Michael Casey, who must unravel the mysterious murder of a fallen publicity agent while navigating a world of betrayal, buried secrets, and shifting alliances. Known for his gritty realism, Petievich draws on his law enforcement background to craft gripping narratives with cinematic flair.

Mount brings a storied background to the literary world, having produced Bull Durham, Natural Born Killers, and Tequila Sunrise, and serving as co-founder of The Los Angeles Film School. His industry legacy is widely recognized, and he has long been rumored to be the inspiration behind the fictional studio executive in The Player.

Petievich, whose novels To Live and Die in L.A. and The Sentinel were adapted into feature films, is praised for infusing his writing with authenticity drawn from years in federal law enforcement.

The event marks a rare opportunity for fans of crime fiction and Hollywood noir to hear from two insiders with deep ties to the worlds they write about.

To reserve a seat, you can purchase Rafferty Returns by Thom Mount here and/or 13 Hillcrest Drive by Gerald Petievich here.

in News
Related Posts

Toxic Avenger Reboot Aims to Smash Box Office and Medical Debt on Labor Day Weekend

August 29, 2025

August 29, 2025

Film’s Release Comes With a Promise to Erase Millions in Medical Bills The upcoming release of The Toxic Avenger will...

Trump Says Beverly Hills Residents Leave Cars Open for Thieves, Locals Call It Nonsense

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Officials and Residents Say Trump’s Crime Remarks Don’t Reflect Reality City officials and residents pushed back this week after former...

Beverly Hills Schools Halt Israeli Flag Display Despite School Board Vote

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Superintendent Cites Safety Concerns After Narrow 3–2 Decision Despite a 3–2 Board of Education vote to display the Israeli flag...

Los Angeles County Public Health Probe Sparks Nationwide Egg Recall Over Salmonella

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

More Than 95 Cases Tied to Country Eggs in 14 States; Do Not Eat Affected Cartons Los Angeles Public health...

(Video) The Opening of Mr. Charlie’s with Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Vegan burger restaurant with brightly colored decor now open on 26th street across fromthe Brentwood Country Mart. The Opening of...

California Pizza Kitchen Debuts Heart-Shaped Pizza Celebrating Swift–Kelce

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

13 Days of Engagement Pizzas, and Return of Hot Honey Flavors California Pizza Kitchen is rolling out a series of...

Culver Hotel Celebrates 101 Years With 101 Anniversary Menu and Live Music

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Guests Can Enjoy a Four-Course Meal, Nightly Performances, Trivia Contest The historic Culver Hotel is celebrating its 101st anniversary this...

Westside Chefs Shine at the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival in September

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

South Bay’s Culinary Festival Returns With Two Nights of Food, Wine, and Music Santa Monica, Westchester, Los Angeles, and West...

(Video) Come Tour The Willows Community School!

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Sign up for a tour at The Willows and come see what makes our school such a vibrant, inspiring place...

Jewish Clergy Rally in Los Angeles Urging Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Food Aid for Gaza

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Two Dozen Rabbis Gathered at Israeli Consulate, Hostage’s Family Appears at Second Rally Jewish clergy from across Los Angeles County...

Metro LA’s Aug. 30 Deadline for Public Comment on Sepulveda Transit Draft EIR Approaches

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Community Members Can Weigh In Before the 90-Day Comment Period Closes. Metro is reminding community members that the 90-day public...

Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, and Uni High Gear Up for Early-Season Games

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

The Centaurs, Eagles, Normans, and Wildcats Face Key Matchups This Week Football season is heating up across our area, with...

I-405 to See Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures as Pavement Rehab Project Continues

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Drivers Should Expect Delays With Overnight Work Aug. 26–28, Sept. 5 Motorists using Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass should...

Kobe Day Tribute: Lakers Welcome UCLA Newborns With Purple-and-Gold Gifts

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Babies Received Adorable Care Packages in Celebration of “Kobe Day.” Families welcoming newborns at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and...

Suspect Arrested After Eight-Hour SWAT Standoff in Jefferson Park Shooting

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

 Police Say a Man Was Killed and a Suspect Barricaded Himself Inside a Home Hours after a fatal shooting near...