Reviews (11)

Hoping for moreJake
This just doesn't make 4 stars, although I was rooting for it."Lesbian" or not it's competition is the general genre of "cop" or "detective thriller", and in that category it doesn't make it as anything new or original; actually it abounds with sterotypes.Sadly, it was too predictable for me, but I fell for Jake.Yes, the scenery descriptions are wonderful, but that "ain't" why I read thrillers.They are "thrillers", after all!I underestand (I think) the role sex plays in novels of this kind, and Ms Hill writes her explicit scenes quite well, too well.They are of erotica not "romance."Explicitness for its own sake is fine and I enjoy it, but here it was over-the-top and unnecessary.We do not need descriptions of digital explorations to have a novel unfold.No pun intended.
THE BEST I'VE READ IN A LONG TIME
this is one of the best books I have read in a very long time, once I started reading I couldn't put it down. Loving the characters i'm hoping for a sequel.

Great mystery and romance in Denver and the woods of Colorado
"Jake" McCoy is a detective, who has taken some leave time after being injured in the line of duty and Nicole Westbrook is a psychologist and closeted lesbian. The two meet in the wilds of Colorado where Jake is recuperating and Nicole is vacating. Nicole is hopelessly lost when she meets Jake. Their attaction sizzles and they have great sex in a hot spring.
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Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Mystery & Detective - General    6. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    7. Romance - Contemporary    8. Adventure / thriller   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (125)

Touching
Once again Sarah Waters kept me enthralled, page after page.
Completely engrossing
I first read Sarah Waters book, Affinity, and had to read more of her work. I initially decided to go back to Tipping the Velvet but found something about Nan's narrative voice too similar to Margaret's and felt I needed a break from their meek, awkward, (sometimes girlish) obsessiveness and so decided to move to Fingersmith and return to Tipping the Velvet at another time. I am so glad I did! Fingersmith is a completely engrossing work of fiction with a bevy of unusual characters and unexpected twists that compell the reader forward - sometimes at a dizzying pace.
A tale of corruption and treachery
I've been indulging in historical novels lately, and one of the surprises that I have discovered is how much I have enjoyed the work of Sarah Waters. In particular, this book.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Historical    3. Historical - General    4. Lesbian    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Thrillers    7. Fiction / General    8. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (8)

Love this whole series!
Another hit by Radclyffe.This series needs to be made into a movie.I would certainly be in line to see it!

Justice Series Prevails
Det. Sgt. Frye and Dr. Rawling are joined by cyber gurus Sloan & Jason/Jasmin plus their significant others Michael & Sarah from the Trust Series.Officer Dell Mitchell joins the team.
Another Excellent Entry in the Justice Series
This outing in the series is less about Detective Sergeant Rebecca Frye and Dr. Catherine Rawlings and more about the minor characters who were introduced in previous outings.In this book, Rebecca is still trying to find the person who ordered the killing of her partner, Jeff Cruz, and another cop, who may be the same bad guy who ordered the hit on her friend JT Sloan (the hitman mistook Sloan's lover Michael for Sloan and nearly killed the wrong woman and Sloan wants revenge), and who may be the head of a porn ring plagueing Philadelphia.She has an unofficial official team working away from police headquarters trying to track down the perps.And a strange team it is - but they all work well together and make headway.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Lesbian    4. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Crime & mystery   

Reviews (6)

Trust No One
I always look forward to reading books by first-time authors.Sometimes the books are borderline and immature, but the good ones are exceptionally fresh and exciting.Such is the case with `Anticipation.'
Thrilling!
I read Anticipation in one weekend...needless to say, I was hooked from the get go! Ms. Breneman does an amazing job of leading her reader on a suspenseful adventure full of colorful characters and plot twists. She obviously knows the ins and outs of the justice system and keeps you guessing up to the very end! The romantic storyline is equally enthralling. The main characters are brought to life by Ms. Breneman's nimble attention to the details in life that make us all human: love, excitement, hope, fear and, not least of all, anticipation. I am very much looking forward to her next work!

I love it.
I loved this book. It was well written,and fun to read. I could not put it down. You want them to get together from the first time they meet. I loved Anticipation by Terri Breneman. I really look forward to her next book.
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Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    6. Modern fiction   

Reviews (11)

Hunter's Pursuit is as Good as the Genre Get
Hunter is an enigma - an assasin by trade, but with a gentleness that is enchanting.While hunting for food, she witnesses a car accident.She saves the car's inhabitant.She later finds out that someone has put a million-dollar contract out on her.She has no idea who will come after her, why the contract was put on her, or who her mysterious visitor is.
It Came Highly Recommended
I picked up Hunter's Pursuit by Kim Baldwin while in Provincetown for Women's Week in October. I got a personal recommendation from Radclyffe herself. She said, "If you like action/adventure, Kim is our Gerri Hill." Well, I like Hill very much, so I was excited to read this book by Baldwin, especially because of the personal recommendation.
Suspense! Drama! Mystery!
Assassin Katarzyna "Kat" Demetrious, code name Hunter, rescues a woman seriously injured and stuck in a wrecked car in the snow.Who is this woman? Where did she come from? And why would she have been driving in such a remote area? Could she be one of the assassins Kat has been told is on her trail? Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction / Romance / Suspense    2. Crime & mystery    3. Fiction    4. Lesbian    5. Lesbian fiction    6. Mystery    7. Romance - Adult    8. Romance - Contemporary    9. Romance - Suspense   

Reviews (2)

The Flames of Love with a Twist...
This reader was pleasantly surprised with the quality of writing delivered by Gina Dartt in `Unexpected Sparks,' a first-time novel that shows a maturity not often found from first-time authors.Not generally a big fan of mysteries, I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author wove a budding romance with a murder investigation... especially because neither of the protagonists are police detectives.
Fabulous novel - Wonderful romance and endearing characters
One of the best romances I have ever read. Like a breath of fresh air. Here is a writer who knows how to write. You never feel like you are reading a work of fiction. You are immediately engrossed by the first chapter. The words flow together and I wished it didn't have to end. You'll love the characters as if they were your friends.
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Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Mystery & Detective - General    6. Romance - Contemporary    7. Romance   

Reviews (6)

A price worth paying for the Cost of this Commitment
This was an absolute jewel of a find. I purchased part one of the series due to a recomendation by Amazon,they could not have been more on target. This book,part two just shows that love is definetly everlasting. I found the story line to be believeable, and being a hopeless romantic, it touched me deeply. The author leaves no stone unturned, giving you mistery, suspense,drama and love all bound in a neat little package all the while leaving room for an on going story. The love senes are hot, and the suspense is action packed, and what makes it perfect is the main characters could be people you know. Looking forward to the next book.

Rollercoaster Quality
The pros... I like the story lines presented by Lynn Ames in the Kate/Jay series.They are interesting, keep the reader's attention, and present factual places and things.The characters of Kate and Jay are likable and lead interesting, yet almost unbelievable, lives.The romance is central to the story and is a great compliment to the intrigue presented throughout the book.
Suspenseful! Dramatic!
Katherine "Kate" Kyle and Jamison "Jay" Parker are two strong, dynamic women first introduced to readers in the dramatic book, The Price of Fame.As they try to recover from Kate's unexpected departure from her news anchor position, Jay and Kate unfortunately find themselves, once again, embroiled in a situation fraught with danger, suspicion and intrigue.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. Fiction / Lesbian    3. Lesbian    4. General & Literary Fiction    5. Lesbians    6. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    7. Romantic suspense novels   

Reviews (13)

A Tasty Treat!
I have to start by saying I think that Tony Bidulka is handsome and charming. But do I let that prejudice my opinion of his books?
Yummmmmmm
Amuse Bouche are little tastes served at the beginning of the meal - but this thriller by Canadian author Anthony Bidulka is a full and hearty meal that will leave you wanting more. Meet Russell Quant and his very real and human cast of friends and foes - someone for eveyone.

Alluring and Amusing Mystery for Everyone
Amuse Bouche is about Russell Quant, a young gay man celebrating his first year as a private detective with a bottle of passable champagne he retrieves from the mini fridge that holds up one end of his office desk. He is reminiscing about his less than exciting cases in the first twelve months when along comes the case of a lifetime - murder, deceit, international travel, and a client who may be the bad guy. What follows is an absolutely alluring and amusing romp of a mystery that anyone will enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Gay    5. Literary Criticism    6. Mystery & Detective - General    7. Mystery & Detective - Series    8. Mystery/Suspense    9. Fiction / Gay    10. Literary Criticism & Collections / General   

Reviews (7)

Radclyffe Keeps Getting Better and Better
I remember reading a Radclyffe interview where she said she didn't like writing series romances.I'm so very glad she doesn't "walk the talk" on that one!I have completely enjoyed her three series: Honor, Provincetown, and Justice.In fact, I've read through all of them for a second time this year.
Adventure,romance,intrigue,and more!
Rarely have I found a writer who can take so many different plot lines and weave them all into one book. You could take any one of at least three seperate tracks in this book and turn them into individual stand alone stories worthy of publishing. But such is the case with Radclyffe's writing. She gives you much more than your money's worth, and leaves you with enough questions to cause you to hunger for the next installment in the series. I recommend reading her "series" stories in order, and watch both the writer and the characters in her literature mature!

Another Winner
Whether you read Radclyffe's series books, like the Justice series or the Honor series or the Provincetown series, or you read one of her stand-alone romances, you can not go wrong.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Mystery & Detective - Police Procedural    4. Mystery/Suspense    5. Crime & mystery    6. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural    7. Lesbians    8. Police   

Reviews (7)

Suspense and Drama at its Best!
Restaurant owner, Jane Lawless is embroiled yet again, in another mystery to solve. This one hits close to home.Very, very close in fact.
Tension, Suspense, Danger and a Dead Ringer
Jane Lawless has struggled and grieved over her partner Christine's death back in 1987, a long time ago, but now she's happy with someone else and after coming back from a vacation with new partner Kenzie, she finally decides she's ready go through Christine's things. However, as she's going through Christine's briefcase, she finds a gun that shouldn't be there and now she has questions that need to be answered.
Enjoyable but more coincidence than investigation
The murder had taken place years before. Two people were brutally killed, a young boy traumatized, and the surviving family members left in their disintegrating home, backbiting and squabbling, with a line down the middle of the house to make sure neither trespassed on the other. Jane Lawless's lover, Christine, had been involved in a real estate deal that was supposed to sell that house, but Christine's cancer and the murder put the real estate deal on permanent hold. Now, though, Jane is starting to see hints of that murder everywhere.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Lawless, Jane (Fictitious char    4. Lawless, Jane (Fictitious character)    5. Lesbian    6. Mass murder investigation    7. Minneapolis    8. Minnesota    9. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    10. Mystery/Suspense    11. Women detectives    12. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths   

Reviews (3)

A witty mystery
The year is 1979 and Don Strachey is hired by a wealthy couple to find their son Billy. Billy is wanted for murder, and since both he and Strachey are gay, the detective must have some ideas as to where the young man has fled. Of course, because all gays know each other, right? Soon Strachey is drawn into a complex puzzle as he becomes determined to prove Billy's innocence. Now if he could just find the young man before it's too late. In this lively mystery, Stevenson introduces his plucky detective and spins a great tale that belies the social commentary contained within. "Death Trick" is not only a great example of the mystery genre, but also a compelling slice of gay literary history.

The gay storyline blends well with the telling of the events
around a murder.I like the angst that Donald feels when he becomes involved with a central figure in his case.The patronizing parents are a good, but overdone touch.In all, it is a pleasant read.

A fast-paced, witty, gay who-dunnit.
In the series opener Albany P.I. Donald Strachey takes on a sensational murder case within the gay community--which just happens to be right up his own alley.Read more

Subjects:  1. Albany    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Gay    5. Gay men    6. Mystery & Detective - General    7. Mystery/Suspense    8. New York (State)    9. Private investigators    10. Strachey, Donald (Fictitious c    11. Strachey, Donald (Fictitious character)    12. General & Literary Fiction    13. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (9)

Amazing for the First Book!
Ali Vali has an amazing talent! I could not put this book down! The Devil Inside was an easy and very enjoyable read. For this being her first attempt at a novel, I think the work rates Vali up there with the likes of Radclyffe and Gerri Hill. I can not imagine anyone not liking this book and the great characters. Derby Cain is a tough and powerful woman with a soft side that lets you fall in love with her. Cain's family comes first especially her son Hayden.In the begining you doubt Emma, Cain's wife but by the end of the book you find yourself rooting for her.As the story unfolds Emma's character is transformed and it makes you wonder what level she will be taken to in the sequel.
So Anxious For The Sequel, I Could Burst!
This reader has enjoyed many stories the talented Ali Vali has posted online and was anxious to read her first published book.I am most definitely NOT disappointed!Vali leaves the reader hanging at the end of each chapter - heck, at the end of each sentence - thus making it difficult to make the pleasure last.It's impossible to put the book down once you start reading.
A Rare Gift - An Outstanding First Book
Cain is the head of one of New Orleans' mob families.She took over the job when her father was killed.Emma is her partner and the mother of her son.When Emma walks away from Cain and her son, both are devastated.When Emma returns four years later, all have to deal with the consequences of Emma's betrayal.
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Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Romance - General    6. Suspense    7. Modern fiction   

Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Mystery & Detective - General    6. Romance - Contemporary    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (9)

A Great New Detective Emerges in Kimo
How unusual to find a novel that combines a poignant coming out story with a mystery.The author intertwines the mystery and detection elements of the story with the character of Kimo dealing with his long suppressed homosexuality so brilliantly that neither element takes centre stage but rather they combine to make for a truly wonderful story.
Real and riveting
I'm not usually a reader of detective novels, but I loved this.
Try this for a little Aloha spirit
I love reading books that have a strong sense of place - especially when that place is somewhere I know well - in this case, Honolulu, Hawaii. And Mahu not only get the place right, but everything else as well, including the introduction of a most original and charming main character: surfer guy cop Kimo.
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Subjects:  1. American Contemporary Fiction - Individual Authors +    2. Fiction    3. Gay police officers    4. Gay    5. Coming out (Sexual orientation)    6. Hawaii    7. Honolulu    8. Honolulu (Hawaii)    9. Mystery & Detective - General    10. Mystery & Detective - Police Procedural    11. Mystery fiction    12. Police    13. Literature of special Gay interest    14. Modern fiction   

Reviews (2)

Loose Ends
Lt. L.A. Franco from the LAPD has been going to AA and attending meetings faithfully.As part of the program, she's decided to put closure to the death of her mother.She goes to NYC to visit her mother's grave only to find someone has been placing flowers and candles on her father's grave.
Sometimes, Redemption Isn't an Option
LAPD Lieutenant L.A. Franco takes a weekend trip to New York on personal business. It shouldn't be hard to handle, just a quick trip to close the door on old memories. It was probably pointless to try tying up loose ends left dangling for a few decades, but still, she'd make the attempt.
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Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Mystery & Detective - General    6. Mystery/Suspense    7. Crime & mystery   

Reviews (15)

A beautifully told love story
Therese works as a shopgirl in a large department store as it prepares fro the Christmas rush.But it's only a temporary job as she wants to become a set designer, with the help of contacts provided by her boyfriend Richard.She's content but life with Richard isn't quite what she's looking for.In fact, she's not sure what she needs until Carol, a handsome older woman, walks into her department to buy a doll for her daughter.Therese manages to strike up a conversation with Carol and soon, they begin to see quite a bit of each other.Their friendship changes while on a cross country trip and soon Therease and Carol must battle to keep their romance going despite the possible threat of Carol's husband and threats to keep her away from her daughter.
Coming Out in 1969
The Price of Salt changed my life. I used to drive an ice cream truck in Long Beach CA and would stop by the pier at a used book store to search the racks of pulp fiction for anything that had a modicum of same sex content.
One of this writers best efforts.
In 1952 Patricia Highsmith composed this personal and revelatory classic.Harper & Bros, publisher of Highsmith's "Strangers on a Train," refused to issue this novel due to its controversial subject matter.The powers that be convinced Highmsith that publishing under her own name would adversely impact her career the way Gore Vidal's had initially been by "The City and the Pillar." The Naiad Press out of Tallahassee, Florida published this volume under the pseudonym Claire Morgan.Ironically, "The Price of Salt" became one of this author's best sellers.All that seems so long ago - another lifetime.Indeed, it's hard to conceive of Michael Cunningham or Tony Kushner having to contend with such issues.So, now that all of the controversy has abated we can judge this novel on it's own merits, and the verdict is a happy one."The Price of Salt" is one of Highsmith's best efforts.This novel works on a number of levels.It is both a "coming out" story and a "love" story, with a bit of the author's trademark suspense thrown in for good measure.The story has an emotional honesty and autobigraphical sensibility; qaulities that are noticeably absent from much of her other work.I found myself pulling for Carol and Therese, and found the development of their relationship to be natural and true to life.The "happy ending" is achieved in an uncompromising fashion that doesn't feel false or contrived.I am reminded of a Stephen Sondheim lyric: "wishes come true, not free."These characters paid a price for their happiness - it wasn't free. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Highsmith, Patricia - Prose & Criticism    5. Lesbian    6. Literary    7. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    8. Crime & mystery   

Reviews (6)

Impressive debut
L.A. Heat is the kind of book that makes you wonder how this could be a debut novel. This suspenseful, carefully-plotted mystery has all the earmarks of some of the best (and more seasoned) mystery pros in the business. Its setting is realistic and at times seamy, its characters sympathetic and real, its attention to detail (especially police procedure) astonishing, and its pacing deft...definitely in the category of "can't put down." I look forward to more from P.A. Brown. She's a winner.

Page turner
This is by no means one of the "best written" books I've read but it's been a long time since I read one I had such a difficult time putting down.Highly recommended.

Fantastic first novel is a well-written, engaging, realistic gem!
David Laine is a 37 year old veteran Los Angeles police detective, who first meets Chris Bellamere, a gay partyboy in his early 20's with a good job as a computer systems professional, as an investigative lead (and possible suspect) in an ongoing series of rapes, maiming and subsequent murders of young gay men.While David's instincts tell him that Chris isn't the killer (much to the frustration of David's detective partner, Martinez, who didn't hide his resentment of gays), Chris' "gaydar" tells him that David's interest in him isn't entirely professional. Yet, there seems to be some connection, as most of the victims frequented the same gay cruise bar that Chris did, and he had been seen with them by the bartender.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay    4. Mystery & Detective - General    5. Crime & mystery    6. Fiction / Gay    7. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (1)