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 (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)

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 (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)

Well done P.I. novel
Small town P.I. Dick Hardesty is vacationing in the Big Apple with his young lover Jonathan when he's asked by an ex-lover to investigate the murder of the leading actor in the play "Impartial Observer."
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Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. Gay    3. Mystery/Suspense    4. Crime & mystery    5. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (4)

Not Up To Scratch...
For years, I have been a faithful reader of Zubro's Tom & Scott mysteries (and still am!), but sadly must agree with the previous reviewer that this one was just not one of Zubro's best. While I do love horror films & have nothing against gore, the level of violence in the novel seemed very out of place and overly jarring for a T & S mystery story (especially when the cute cover makes this look like it's going to be a fun romp). It was difficult to tell one character from another and the storyline was very difficult to follow. Usually character & story development are flushed out very well by Zubro, but, unfortunately, it just seems jumbled & messy in this one. Even the normally enjoyable stabs at humor T & S make at each other seem out of place in this novel with all the grisly killing going on.
Too brutal for a mystery!
I have been a faithful follower of Tom & Scott series for years.
Nail-biting suspense, but a bit too far-fetched for me.
Scott Carpenter, the openly-gay former baseball star, along with his longtime high school teacher spouse Tom Mason, are vacationing the week after Christmas on the remote Aegean island of Korkasi, site of a little known resort catering to rich gay men.Their "r&r" is broken permanently when, shortly after finding the resort manager shot dead in their room, an explosion in the resort's main building results in several other deaths, at a time when all communication is cut off from the main world due to a massive lightning storm.Tom and Scott try to organize the survivors they find to search the outlying villas, to inform others what happened and perhaps get some clues as to the cause of the explosion, but are soon frustrated by the selfishness and lackadasical attitude of their fellow guests.And, as other shooting victims are found, it becomes apparent that a dangerous killer is at large, perhaps one of their own, putting them all in danger, in a complex tale of greed, stolen art treasures and false identities.
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Subjects:  1. Carpenter, Scott (Fictitious character)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Gay men    5. Mason, Tom (Fictitious character)    6. Mystery & Detective - General    7. Mystery And Suspense Fiction    8. Mystery/Suspense   

Reviews (13)

another great story
I found Josh Lanyon on this site a couple of weeks ago and downloaded his first book. What a wonderful read! I immediately bought the 2nd and 3rd mysteries and devoured them. I love his characters and twists in the sleuthing. I also enjoy his research into the background of his stories. His description of living life in the closet is also realistic. He's joined my list of favorite mystery writers!

Enjoying Adrien English
I really enjoy this series, it shows growth in the characters, is very funny, and has original mysteries.As a bookseller, myself, I identify a little with Adrien. I like how as an ordinary person, he gets in all kinds of trouble and gets out of the trouble in original ways!I can hardly wait for the next book.

Hell, Yeah!!!!
A lot of us have been waiting for this third entry in the Adrien English series.We love the dry wit of the protagonist and the neat threading in of gay-mystery trivia that Lanyon is so obviously a master of.And we are anxious to see how things are going between Adrien, amateur sleuth and mystery writer, and Jake Riordan, the closeted LA policeman with whom Adrien has a "thing."
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Mystery & Detective - General    4. Mystery & Detective - Police Procedural    5. Mystery/Suspense    6. Crime & mystery    7. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / General    8. Gay    9. Gay men   

Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Carpenter, Scott (Fictitious character)    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    5. Gay    6. High school teachers    7. Mason, Tom (Fictitious character)    8. Mystery & Detective - General    9. Mystery/Suspense   

Reviews (2)

Unfortunately the title is the best part
I admit I bought this book because the title was catchy and the story description sounded interesting. The name the author uses is interesting as well, if it's real. That said, it turns out that the title actually is the best thing about the book.
Winner of the WordWeaving Award for Excellence
When a new client arrives in his office reporting a missing lover, Dick Hardesty's first reaction is that the guy has taken off for whatever reason. He begins his search by visiting the bars the missing man frequented. Soon Dick learns that police triage missing persons; and they relegate alcoholic, gay men to the bottom of the heap. When he questions his police contacts regarding police procedure with missing person cases, Dick gets unexpected results.

Subjects:  1. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    2. Mystery & Detective - General    3. Crime & mystery    4. Fiction / Gay   

Reviews (1)

The Good Cop
Not really a mystery, just a great story with wonderful characters and real life drama. I read it straight through after setting aside the vast and soporific Cinatis by Donaghe. The quality of the writing and story reminds me of the early Patrica Nell Warren and Ronald Donaghe novels. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay    4. Gay police officers    5. Hardesty, Dick (Fictitious cha    6. Hardesty, Dick (Fictitious character)    7. Mystery/Suspense    8. Police murders    9. Private investigators    10. Crime & mystery   

Reviews (6)

a [...] mystery that is different
Like the other reviewers I also read through this book straight through and agree with their comments. I did feel uncomfortable towards the end with some of the improbable twist and turns. The one about one of the evil doers having grown up next door to Jack's sister and husband was a bit much. Otherwise the book is original and well written. I normally am uncomfortable with flashbacks, but they are seamless and brilliantly done in this book.

Shady side of business dealings make for great reading
A well-conceived and written novel of romance, suspense and shady business dealings, "In the Shadow of Stone" introduces Jack Fontaine, a self-made gay man who is somewhat estranged from his family, except for his sister's daughter Jenna, and is a successful advertising executive who is in a rewarding but ethically-challenged relationship with one of his firm's copywriters.Jack's orderly life starts to unravel when he is summoned to the deathbed of his sister, who entrusts him with a video tape that is to be held in safekeeping for her daughter's 18th birthday.Shortly thereafter, it becomes apparent that a comment made by his lover Marc at work has resulted in their relationship being known, which threatens his job and makes him second-guess the wisdom of continuing the relationship. What follows is a painful revelation that Marc was actually sent to the firm to "bring Jack down" and, although he now insists he fell in love for real, Jack does not know whom to trust.
Great Book !!
This book has it all.Romance, love, mystery, deception, betrayal, redeamption, and a whole lot more.It is the story of a man who makes a pledge to his dying sister and must, through a series of unfortunate and sometimes hateful events, redeem his promise and in the process, redeem his understanding of the human spirit.Tightly and tensely written, this gripping story will not permit you to put it down until the final page.And even then, you will yearn for more.Fortunately, Mr. Kaufman has provided himself the opportunity to write a subsequent novel about the same protagonist.If he does, I will line up to buy it and read it.This is a good book.READ IT! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction / General    2. Rob Kaufman    3. Fiction    4. Gay    5. Mystery & Detective - General    6. Romantic suspense novels    7. Gay men   

Reviews (6)

Entertaining escapist fare
"Last night I dreamed it was Mardi Gras again."
Scotty and the boys do it again
I love a good mystery. Greg delivers another one in this book. This time, the mysterycenters around the Bradley family's secrets. The murder of Scotty's drug dealer sets him on an investigation that keeps coming back to an uncomfortable truth: that even people we think we know well have hidden lives and agendas. Scotty finds out that his parents have withheld information about his grandfather's secret second family. That doesn't sit well with Scotty, because he was raised to believe that his family was open and honest. But his parents aren't the only ones holding back the truth, and as bodies start piling up around Scotty, more people who are close to him reveal their secrets. Some are devastating betrayals, but some repair strained relationships. I don't want to say any more about the twists and turns this story takes, because that's all the fun of reading a mystery.
Entertaining mystery
Former go-go dancer and personal trainer turned amateur private-eye Scotty Bradley is back in "Mardi Gras Mambo."Again based in New Orleans (as is its author Greg Heren), this third book in the series was delayed due to the author's forced temporary relocation from that city, although the author wisely avoids including the hurricane in the book, since this is very much about the "party hearty" New Orleans that may take some time to come back, but hopefully will.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Gay    4. Mystery & Detective - General    5. Popular American Fiction    6. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / General    7. Literature of special Gay interest    8. Modern fiction   

Reviews (8)

gorgeous
Just after reading Vampire Vow, the first book in the series, I could not help myself, I had to pick up Vampire Thrall. I read it as feverishly as the first book, enthralled (pun intended) by the two main characters, Victor the Vampire (from the first book), and Paul, a painter. They alternate chapters in POV, and that is so enlightening, not because of Victor's chapters, but because of Paul's. You can see him descend into his own darkness.
a hint short of perfect
Much of what I said in my review of Vampire Vow can be repeated for this second volume of Victor's story.
Entrhalled in the Thrall
My reading of "Vampire Thrall" occured during Holy Week and the death of the Pope.So reading this story took on an even greater affect. The story wasenthralling. I wish circumstances would have allowed me to read it in one sitting. However, now we see the character of Victor grow.Will he give in to the redemption Joshu offers him or his thrall, seek his assistance in aid to Paul, Victor's Thrall, or will he continue on in his journey towards the Kingdom of Darkness.I must admit that at first I thought this book would follow the same formula as its predecessor. Thank goodness I was wrong.Some degree of redemption was found for the characters here.The author however, provided yet another wonderful story and is not in need of redemption for this story.I eagerly await the next chapter in this story. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decimus, Victor (Fictitious character)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Horror    4. Gay    5. Gay men    6. Horror    7. Horror - General    8. Mystery & Detective - General    9. Psychological fiction    10. Rome (Italy)    11. Vampires    12. Fiction / Horror    13. General & Literary Fiction    14. Horror & ghost stories    15. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (17)

Russell Quant on a Whole new Exciting Adventure
I was thrilled when I read the descriptor of this newest Russell Quant mystery. There is nothing more satisfying than putting a familiar hero in an unfamiliar - yet sinfully luxurious setting (a Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Rome)- along with some quirky characters, a potential love interest, some sun and frothy cocktails and see what happens. And the author does not disappoint.
Wonderful from start to finish-Something new in the Mystery Genre
This is a most modern of all retelling of the standard whodunit-on-a-cruiseship with clever riffs on Wizard of Oz, Agatha Christie, Mary Tyler Moore and The Love Boat. All done with a gay twist. What more can a reader ask for if your looking for something new in the mystery genre?
Disappointing
Over the top and silly.I was a big fan of his first two books and recommended them to many people.There are just too many characters, too many places and, too many things happening that we just don't care about.The book is far too short to employ as many twists and characters as it did.Not his usual effort. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Gay men    4. Mystery & Detective - General    5. Mystery And Suspense Fiction    6. Mystery/Suspense    7. Private investigators    8. Quant, Russell (Fictitious character)    9. Fiction / Gay    10. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (8)

not his best but a definite must read.
This was the first book by Zimmereman i read and it got me hooked though it is not as captavating as some of his other books it is a deffinite must read.

Fabulous reading.......got my attention QUICK!
Todd Mills (not related to me either!) is a very realistic character whose life and love is believable.Zimmerman minces no words in describing the trials and tribulations of gay men, and their experiences with society and gay culture.The situations Todd and Rawlins get into are very intense.Down to earth portrayal of gay life.The mystery aspects kept me turning the pages and I stayed up until 3am to finish the book.Then I went searching for all the other books in the series.Hard to find Closet - got a copy from Canada.... Very much worth the time and effort.I'm hoping Zimmerman keeps the Mills series moving right along.

Good novel on a hard topic
Although this is not Zimmerman's first novel in the Todd Mills series, it was the first one of his I read.And I think it was a good choice for my first one.Read more

Subjects:  1. AIDS (Disease)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Gay    5. Gay journalists    6. Minneapolis (Minn.)    7. Mystery & Detective - General    8. Mystery/Suspense    9. Patients    10. Terrorists    11. Crime & mystery    12. Fiction / General   

Reviews (2)

Good Read!
A friend gave me a book she had just finished: "The Ninth Man" by a Dorien Grey. "It has a gay detective" she said, but I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I'm glad I did. This guy has a great sense of humor and writes a good story that kept me guessing until the very end. I recommend it to anybody, straight or gay, who likes a good, fun mystery yarn. Tense, contemplative, superbly crafted reading
The 9th Man is a compelling mystery novel of the Dick Hardesty series. Hardesty is a homosexual private investigator trying to earn a living in a trade that's rough on all genders and all sexual orientations. Hardesty is hired to find a murderer; as the body count rises, he realizes he's on the trail of a serial killer who is apparently being ignored by the police because all of the victims are gay. Enthusiastically recommended for all mystery fans, The 9th Man is a tense, contemplative, superbly crafted reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. Gay    3. Crime & mystery    4. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (7)

an utterly amazingbook
I found this book during one of my walks through listmania, and decided to buy it when I read the reviews. It was a great decision, because I have read a very well crafted book. The only criticism I have is that it is too short :)
blasphemous
A word of caution: this is not a book for everyone. The homosexual sex is very explicit and the author's ideas about religion are very peculiar and might sound extremely disturbing for believers.
What monks really think?
I have been trying to get this book forever, and finally I got it and read it in one day. It's only about 200 something pages, which is very short in comparison to other books I read. Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Gay    4. Horror - General    5. Mystery & Detective - General    6. Mystery/Suspense    7. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / General    8. Horror & ghost stories    9. Literature of special Gay interest    10. Modern fiction   

Reviews (41)

QAF - Every Nine Seconds
Not the best writing I've ever read...a little bit of fantasy for those of us who speculate about the origins of the characters on the show.

you can find better fan fiction online for *FREE*
i'm a newly obsessed qaf fan, only since january 2006. (yes, i know the series ended last summer, thank you!) and of course, since i am watching all 5 seasons in a matter of months, i am obsessed with devouring anything and everything about this show, its characters, and its actors.
An enjoyable read
I have never seen the show and opened the book based soley on the back cover copy.I really enjoyed it and will read the others and also will likely watch the dvds now.It was a nice, fun book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Novel And Short Story    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Gay    5. Gay youth    6. Male friendship    7. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    8. Movie-TV Tie-In - Novelizations    9. Movie/Tv Tie-Ins    10. Mystery/Suspense    11. Teenage boys    12. Fiction / Movie or Television Tie-In    13. Modern fiction   

Subjects:  1. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    2. Mystery & Detective - General    3. Crime & mystery    4. General & Literary Fiction    5. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (2)

Entertaining and addictive !
Dick Hardestry Mystery is my favorite gay mystery series and this 10th book once again does this series justice. I was glad to have started reading it on a Sat morning as I was glued to the book from page 1. The plot is tightly paced, interlaced with the right amount of excitement and intensity. The subplot within the plot is refreshing though tinged with sadness. I love the characters of Dick and Jonathan and am pleased with the monogamy direction of their relationship, which is explored in this book but by no means took over the plot. Am glad Grey is at work on the 11th book which I look forward to.

Murder at a Newly Endowed, Gay-Oriented Library
The general set-up is that a wealthy collector of gay-oriented writings, Chester Burrows,died naturally, bequeathing his collection and some money to create a Foundation.The Foundation renovated a closed public school, turning it into a library/research center.Just before the opening ceremony, one of the library's catalogers, Taylor Cates, is found dead from an apparent fall down some stairs near the stacks.The coroner's verdict is accidental death.The Foundation's Board (which includes super-lawyer Glen O'Banyon, a famous author, philanthropists, and others) hires Dick Hardesty to see if there is more to it.When Hardesty digs for secrets, he learns about earlier generations, follows the money, interviews opponents of the project, analyzes writing styles, and tries to come up with something useful.He succeeds.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. Gay    3. Crime & mystery