Hang Fire, by Anthony Mora, is a dark, satirical dive into the world of Hollywood’s desperate ambition, centering on the manipulations, lies, and insecurities of Jerry, an aspiring filmmaker. Set in a familiar yet unsettling Los Angeles, Jerry navigates shady dealings, obsessive therapy sessions, and Hollywood politics to achieve his dreams—regardless of who he steps on along the way. The book blends a sharp critique of the entertainment industry with personal psychological drama, all while keeping the reader on edge as they watch how far Jerry will go to fulfill his twisted ambitions.

From the book’s opening, where Jerry tests his therapist with loaded questions about murder, the tone is both darkly comedic and uncomfortable. The therapy scenes are some of the strongest in the book. Readers soon get a clear sense of Jerry’s manipulative nature, especially when he tries to turn a therapy session into a means to seduce his therapist or pitch her a role in his imaginary film. It’s both hilarious and tragic, showing how detached he’s become from reality.

I do feel that Jerry’s obsession with leveraging his relationship with his friend James, and then his creepy fixation on his therapist, can feel repetitive at times. The book thrives in moments where Jerry’s moral decay is laid bare but sometimes leans a little heavily on the same set of tools without evolving them much over time.

One of the highlights for me was Mora’s ability to capture the desperation and delusion that often fuels the Hollywood dream. The scenes where Jerry discusses potential meetings with high-profile actors and producers, all while manipulating those around him, really bring to life the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry. There’s a palpable sense of ambition turned sour. I loved the way Mora didn’t shy away from the ugliness of Jerry’s character. He’s not a likable protagonist, but he’s certainly compelling in his ruthlessness.

I would recommend Hang Fire to readers who enjoy character-driven, psychological novels with a satirical edge. Fans of Hollywood insider stories and dark humor will find a lot to enjoy here. Just be prepared for a journey into the mind of a character whose ambition knows no bounds, even as he spirals deeper into his own self-made mess.