Bottom Feeders

Reader Pinchot adds depth to the large cast of characters in Shepphird’s suspenseful thriller. The story centers on the crew of a low-budget film on a remote California mountain, who are being stalked and murdered by a homicidal archer. Protagonist Eddie Lyons is a cynical, down-at-heels director trying to stay sober while grinding out a made-for-TV western and rekindling a romance with Sheila, the film’s assistant camerawoman. Among the other players, all treated to distinctive voices, are a cheery Italian cinematographer, an aging lead actress, an arrogant character actor, a croaky casting director, assorted chirpy hairdressers, and horse wranglers with Texas drawls. All head for the hills after a visiting deputy policewoman is dispatched by the archer. It’s not long before Eddie and Sheila are the only ones left, and they must play a deadly game of hide-and-seek with the killer. Screenwriter-director Shepphird enhances his nonstop chiller with authentic behind-the-camera activity, while Pinchot works his vocal magic on the author’s gallery of colorful characters. A Blackstone hardcover. (Apr.)