Casanegra (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Casanegra: A Tennyson Hardwick Story is a mystery novel released in 2007, co-authored by actor Blair Underwood alongside writers Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes. Published on June 19, 2007, by Atria Books, it marks the debut installment in the Tennyson Hardwick series. The narrative centers on Tennyson Hardwick, an actor with a past as a former gigolo. The series continued with the follow-up titles In the Night of the Heat (2009), From Cape Town with Love (2010), and South by Southeast (2012).
Underwood has indicated plans to potentially transform Casanegra into a film series, with himself possibly portraying the lead character, Tennyson Hardwick.
Synopsis
Tennyson "Ten" Hardwick is an aspiring actor working to establish himself in Hollywood, though his previous life as a gigolo creates obstacles. This background causes tension within his family, particularly affecting his relationship with his father, who serves as an LAPD captain. His pursuit of progress becomes more difficult when he is implicated as the chief suspect in the murder of Afrodite, a rapper and former client.
Development
The idea for the novel originated from Underwood’s involvement in a project with Diana Ross that explored a client-gigolo dynamic. Although that project was ultimately shelved, Underwood expanded the concept into a full-length novel and collaborated with Due and Barnes to bring it to fruition. Due authored the initial draft of Casanegra, while subsequent revisions were co-written by Underwood and Barnes. The book draws inspiration from authors such as Walter Mosley and Zane, incorporating well-known Hollywood locations like Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles and the African-American-owned bookstore Eso Won Books.
Reception
The critical response to Casanegra was largely favorable. Both Entertainment Weekly and Publishers Weekly offered commendations, with Publishers Weekly highlighting it as a "seamlessly entertaining novel".