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Elliott Smith #2
Aaron's Wait
Aaron Stiles is dead. He's been dead for four years but doesn't seem to know it. He's waiting for his partner Bill to come home, and until that happens, he's not going anywhere. The trouble is, Bill Somers won't be coming home--ever--because he's dead, too. The official verdict was suicide, but? The last thing Elliot Smith needs in his latest renovation project is a ghost, especially one who won't let him sell the place until he solves the mystery of who killed Bill. He has John to help with the spectral side of things, but that just leaves him with the quandary of how to get information on the case. After all, he can hardly explain he's investigating on behalf of one dead man with the assistance of another.
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First published January 1, 2009
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About the author
Dorien Grey
33 books126 followersIf it is possible to have a split personality without being schizophrenic, Dorien Grey qualifies. When long-time book and magazine editor Roger Margason chose the pseudonym “Dorien Grey” for his first book, it set off a chain of circumstances which has led to the comfortable division of labor and responsibility. Roger has charge of day-to-day existence, freeing Dorien—with the help of Roger’s fingers—to write. It has reached the point where Roger merely sits back and reads the stories Dorien brings forth on the computer screen.
It’s not as though Roger has not had an uninteresting life of his own. Two years into college, he left to join the Naval Aviation Cadet program. Washing out after a year, he spent the rest of his brief military career on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean at the height of the cold war. The journal he kept of his time in the military, in the form of letters home, honed his writing skills and provided him with a wealth of experiences to draw from in his future writing. These letters will be appearing in book form shortly.
Returning to Northern Illinois University after service, he graduated with a B.A. in English, and embarked on a series of jobs which worked him into the editing field. While working for a Los Angeles publishing house, he was instrumental in establishing a division exclusively for the publication of gay paperbacks and magazines, of which he became editor. He moved on to edit a leading L.A. based international gay men's magazine.
Tiring of earthquakes, brush fires, mud slides, and riots, he returned to the Midwest, where Dorien emerged, full-blown, like Venus from the sea. They’ve been inseparable (and interchangeable) ever since.
He . . . and Dorien of course…moved back to Chicago in 2006, where they now devote full time to writing. After having published fourteen books in the popular Dick Hardesty Mystery series, four books in the Elliott Smith (paranormal) Mystery series, and the stand-alone western/romance/adventure novel, Calico, he is busily at work on yet another Dick Hardesty mystery.
But for a greater insight into the "real person" behind Dorien Grey, the curious are invited to check out his website (http://www.doriengrey.com), where you can read the first chapter of any or all of his books for free, and his various blogs: Dorien Grey and Me (http://www.doriengreyandme.com) and A Life in Photos (http://www.doriengreyphotolife.blogsp...) among them.
Dorien passed away on November 1, 2015.
It’s not as though Roger has not had an uninteresting life of his own. Two years into college, he left to join the Naval Aviation Cadet program. Washing out after a year, he spent the rest of his brief military career on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean at the height of the cold war. The journal he kept of his time in the military, in the form of letters home, honed his writing skills and provided him with a wealth of experiences to draw from in his future writing. These letters will be appearing in book form shortly.
Returning to Northern Illinois University after service, he graduated with a B.A. in English, and embarked on a series of jobs which worked him into the editing field. While working for a Los Angeles publishing house, he was instrumental in establishing a division exclusively for the publication of gay paperbacks and magazines, of which he became editor. He moved on to edit a leading L.A. based international gay men's magazine.
Tiring of earthquakes, brush fires, mud slides, and riots, he returned to the Midwest, where Dorien emerged, full-blown, like Venus from the sea. They’ve been inseparable (and interchangeable) ever since.
He . . . and Dorien of course…moved back to Chicago in 2006, where they now devote full time to writing. After having published fourteen books in the popular Dick Hardesty Mystery series, four books in the Elliott Smith (paranormal) Mystery series, and the stand-alone western/romance/adventure novel, Calico, he is busily at work on yet another Dick Hardesty mystery.
But for a greater insight into the "real person" behind Dorien Grey, the curious are invited to check out his website (http://www.doriengrey.com), where you can read the first chapter of any or all of his books for free, and his various blogs: Dorien Grey and Me (http://www.doriengreyandme.com) and A Life in Photos (http://www.doriengreyphotolife.blogsp...) among them.
Dorien passed away on November 1, 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 8, 2018
3,5 stars
This series shouldn't work for me, but it does. It's quiet and unassuming, yet still a murder mystery filled with spirits wanting answers and justice. Normally I hate it when there is a distance between the story and the reader, it makes me fe disconnected and as if I'm on the outside looking in. With this series it somehow works for me - and I have no clue why.
This series shouldn't work for me, but it does. It's quiet and unassuming, yet still a murder mystery filled with spirits wanting answers and justice. Normally I hate it when there is a distance between the story and the reader, it makes me fe disconnected and as if I'm on the outside looking in. With this series it somehow works for me - and I have no clue why.
August 9, 2014
What a sad and wonderful story. Loved the mystery and characters. A bit slow at times but kept me interested so no complaints. As for Elliot and Steve's relationship, it's like watching snail porn. Nothing seems to be happening there. Maybe it will pick up in book three but some how l doubt it. And yes, l am aware that the romance is not the theme of the book which is why l gave it five stars for the mystery. I kept going back and fourth about who the suspect was till Elliot knew for sure, and l loved that about the story very much. Highly recommended. On to book 3, Caesar's Fall.
September 20, 2010
3.5 stars
Elliott Smith works in buying and renovating small apartment building. One day, his boyfriend, Steve, whom he has been seeing for several months, informs him about a property that Steve came across. Elliott agrees to check, quickly drawn to the place, and decides to take the building as his new restoration project. Until Elliott realizes, the building comes with a "ghost". It seems that the ghost (Aaron Stiles) will not let the building being sold peacefully. Of course, Elliott has a help from John but he is not a detective, right? So how can he solve a case that happened four years ago?
To be honest, I don't remember a lot from the first book, "His Name is John", which is where Elliott meets his non-corporeal friend, John, and his boyfriend Steve. I guess I appreciate the second book better. It's nice to see an established pairing in the series - Elliott and Steve seem to be on the right path to HEA. Also, having John as "Elliott's partner-in-cime" is also enjoyable, considering that he's a dead man who only talks to Elliott in his mind during sleep :)
However, despite this, there are still few things that nagging me, which prevent me from giving it a 4 stars:
First, I feel that the crime solving part is rather flat. I know that Elliott is NOT a detective, thus the minimum "threat or action" like I read in other mystery. But it feels a bit, I don't know, uhm, mundane because it is being "interrupted" often by the daily activities/life of Elliott.
Second, I still cannot click enough with Elliott. It's like there is a distance between him and myself as a reader. I find myself more interested in Steve and John, to be honest. Since Elliott IS the one get narrated in this story, it puts a bit of an issue.
Third, I'm a bit annoyed with how Elliott tried to keep Steve away from him solving the case. Especially hiding the fact about John. They have been seeing each other for months, and Steve also has a deep empathy in non-worldly things, and I'm sure Steve will be very accepting.
BUT, despite all of this, it's still a nice mystery to read. I will check out another book in this series, if there is any in the future.
Elliott Smith works in buying and renovating small apartment building. One day, his boyfriend, Steve, whom he has been seeing for several months, informs him about a property that Steve came across. Elliott agrees to check, quickly drawn to the place, and decides to take the building as his new restoration project. Until Elliott realizes, the building comes with a "ghost". It seems that the ghost (Aaron Stiles) will not let the building being sold peacefully. Of course, Elliott has a help from John but he is not a detective, right? So how can he solve a case that happened four years ago?
To be honest, I don't remember a lot from the first book, "His Name is John", which is where Elliott meets his non-corporeal friend, John, and his boyfriend Steve. I guess I appreciate the second book better. It's nice to see an established pairing in the series - Elliott and Steve seem to be on the right path to HEA. Also, having John as "Elliott's partner-in-cime" is also enjoyable, considering that he's a dead man who only talks to Elliott in his mind during sleep :)
However, despite this, there are still few things that nagging me, which prevent me from giving it a 4 stars:
First, I feel that the crime solving part is rather flat. I know that Elliott is NOT a detective, thus the minimum "threat or action" like I read in other mystery. But it feels a bit, I don't know, uhm, mundane because it is being "interrupted" often by the daily activities/life of Elliott.
Second, I still cannot click enough with Elliott. It's like there is a distance between him and myself as a reader. I find myself more interested in Steve and John, to be honest. Since Elliott IS the one get narrated in this story, it puts a bit of an issue.
Third, I'm a bit annoyed with how Elliott tried to keep Steve away from him solving the case. Especially hiding the fact about John. They have been seeing each other for months, and Steve also has a deep empathy in non-worldly things, and I'm sure Steve will be very accepting.
BUT, despite all of this, it's still a nice mystery to read. I will check out another book in this series, if there is any in the future.
April 4, 2010
I have just finished reading this novel this morning. I will first of all say that I look forward to reading additional novels by this author. I somewhat regret that I had not read the novel, "His Name is John" since as it turns out that John is a character and do not understand how the character was originally developed. This does not prevent the reader, however, from fully enjoying this novel.
The fact that the story includes paranormal activity and influence does not take this story away from the mystery genre into the fantasy genre. The mystery, ghost or not, could have been solved exclusively by the flesh and blood characters and their intuition in my opinion which kept the story very "real." The author used the "ghost" much like a good chef would use spice in a dish. It added and enhanced the flavoring of the dish without overwhelming and becoming the only flavor of the entire dish.
This of course is a novel involving gay men as the main characters. While I am certainly not not a prude, I appreciate that the author presented Elliot and Steve in a romantic and physical relationship with without the need of describing their physical relationship "blow by blow." Hofully this will encourage a wider audience, beyond just a gay readership, and demonstrate to all the fact that gay men (and women) are just as healthy and normal (and routine) as everyone else and wish only to be accepted as equals.
I am happy to find that the author has a number of titles published and if they are as enjoyable as this novel I will have a great deal of reading pleasure to look forward to.
The fact that the story includes paranormal activity and influence does not take this story away from the mystery genre into the fantasy genre. The mystery, ghost or not, could have been solved exclusively by the flesh and blood characters and their intuition in my opinion which kept the story very "real." The author used the "ghost" much like a good chef would use spice in a dish. It added and enhanced the flavoring of the dish without overwhelming and becoming the only flavor of the entire dish.
This of course is a novel involving gay men as the main characters. While I am certainly not not a prude, I appreciate that the author presented Elliot and Steve in a romantic and physical relationship with without the need of describing their physical relationship "blow by blow." Hofully this will encourage a wider audience, beyond just a gay readership, and demonstrate to all the fact that gay men (and women) are just as healthy and normal (and routine) as everyone else and wish only to be accepted as equals.
I am happy to find that the author has a number of titles published and if they are as enjoyable as this novel I will have a great deal of reading pleasure to look forward to.
January 26, 2014
Random musings. I'm hooked on this series, with caveats. I didn't like Elliott very much during this book. Or maybe I like him the way you continue to like a friend you're pretty annoyed with. I'm annoyed with his constant internal monologues, with his decisions about what to hold back (his thoughts, John, his heart) from Steve. And I'm annoyed with his impatience with John, and denial of his gift. Yes, there's something to be said for the realism of taking things slowly in love and life, but these books read as long books, and I find myself as impatient with Elliott as he is with Aaron and John.
Also, Elliott's behavior in relationship to his age, and to the age he lives in, seems a bit off. I have aunts who are Chicago natives, one who's still living there. Maybe it's a midwestern thing, but Elliot and my aunt sort of live in a previous time. Or is it a rich guy thing? Like someone who has an affluent background and wants to live as a "regular guy," but wealth and personal history interfere, usually in the form of impatience or certain expectations of the privileged that bleed through despite their efforts. These are contemporary stories, and Elliott has a cell phone, but also a landline without caller ID. He uses a phonebook instead of the internet to look up lawyers, and is irritated that the phonebook categorizes with "lawyers" rather than "attorneys." Elliott's a bit fussy for someone his age (not even 40), and there's something almost retro about these books, including how the mysteries are constructed and solved. Perhaps that's reflected in the kind of buildings Elliott chooses to restore and renovate.
So on to book three.
Also, Elliott's behavior in relationship to his age, and to the age he lives in, seems a bit off. I have aunts who are Chicago natives, one who's still living there. Maybe it's a midwestern thing, but Elliot and my aunt sort of live in a previous time. Or is it a rich guy thing? Like someone who has an affluent background and wants to live as a "regular guy," but wealth and personal history interfere, usually in the form of impatience or certain expectations of the privileged that bleed through despite their efforts. These are contemporary stories, and Elliott has a cell phone, but also a landline without caller ID. He uses a phonebook instead of the internet to look up lawyers, and is irritated that the phonebook categorizes with "lawyers" rather than "attorneys." Elliott's a bit fussy for someone his age (not even 40), and there's something almost retro about these books, including how the mysteries are constructed and solved. Perhaps that's reflected in the kind of buildings Elliott chooses to restore and renovate.
So on to book three.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2009
This was an intriguing little paranormal mystery, but for some reason I couldn't click with the characters or get into the story until very near the end. I think it was because of writing style - it felt a little different somehow, and took me a while to get used to. Perhaps it would have helped if I'd read the first book in the series - I'm going to go back and do that! And while Aaron's mystery is solved, it doesn't seem like Elliot and Steve's story is finished, so hopefully there will be a third book in the series as well. Perhaps with the two of them combining their talents?
[ Read for the Seasonal Reading Challenge Fall 09 task 20.2 (ABCs: A) ]
[ Read for the Seasonal Reading Challenge Fall 09 task 20.2 (ABCs: A) ]
July 16, 2017
How sad for Aaron and his partner Bill. They simply wanted to live a happy life, preferable together, but it was out of their hand. Life is a Bitch! Oh well, Elliott did his best to find Bill's killer and uncover the cold case mystery. His romance with Steve was just a background sub plot, which I enjoyed a lot.
I liked Aaron's Wait and will continue on with Elliott Smith series!
I liked Aaron's Wait and will continue on with Elliott Smith series!
July 19, 2017
Story plot was not as pulling as it was in first book, but still it was very nice reading material.
April 21, 2013
Another engrossing read. Again, the writing has that old-fashioned feel to it and a lot of action is described; still, I quite like it. The mystery is also kind of easy to solve but I like that Elliott, who is not a professional detective, still has to muddle his way through things and figure it out, much as, I would imagine, real-life people have to.
******SPOILER ALERT for those who haven't read His Name Is John******
Oh, and, what's going to happen with ?
******SPOILER ALERT for those who haven't read His Name Is John******
Oh, and, what's going to happen with ?
March 27, 2011
This is the second installment in the Elliott Smith mystery series. This time around Elliot has to try and solve the death of Bill before Aaron will allow him to sell the property he has been renovating. Sounds like an easy task right just put on your sleuth shoes and pound the pavement. Nope...Not only is Bill dead but so is Aaron only he doesn't seem to know it and he's not going anywhere without Bill.
Aaron's wait is a great story, with a little mystery, suspense, mingled with just enough comedy that comes through with the authors wit and humor. Mr. Grey is a master of character development and takes his readers on a journey along with his characters. This book is a stand alone title in of it's self but I would highly recommend reading His Name is John first. In doing so you get to see how Elliot and the relationship with "real" romantic interest Steve evolves. I'm really looking forward to Ceaser's Fall for the next mystery Elliot will have to solve but even more so to see where his relationship with Steve goes. I'm hoping that Elliot will ease up on his "no commitment" air and allow Steve in. (Sue me I'm a romantic at heart)
Aaron's wait is a great story, with a little mystery, suspense, mingled with just enough comedy that comes through with the authors wit and humor. Mr. Grey is a master of character development and takes his readers on a journey along with his characters. This book is a stand alone title in of it's self but I would highly recommend reading His Name is John first. In doing so you get to see how Elliot and the relationship with "real" romantic interest Steve evolves. I'm really looking forward to Ceaser's Fall for the next mystery Elliot will have to solve but even more so to see where his relationship with Steve goes. I'm hoping that Elliot will ease up on his "no commitment" air and allow Steve in. (Sue me I'm a romantic at heart)
December 22, 2014
Loving this series to date. A "Who Dunnit" in the vein of Agatha Christie, with a gay protagonist and a paranormal twist.
Thoroughly entertaining, sex is "fade to black" writing is solid, characters are great. No angst just a great plot. The rounding-up was a little too quick this time, and certain plot points and characters seemed to fade and disappear without explanation; telephone calls in the middle of the night, the characters at the Anvil seemed to be forgotten and not explained satisfactorily - hence a four and not a five star read.
Thoroughly entertaining, sex is "fade to black" writing is solid, characters are great. No angst just a great plot. The rounding-up was a little too quick this time, and certain plot points and characters seemed to fade and disappear without explanation; telephone calls in the middle of the night, the characters at the Anvil seemed to be forgotten and not explained satisfactorily - hence a four and not a five star read.
May 8, 2011
I think I liked this even better than the first one, His Name is John. Elliot is like-able character, even if he is a little slower in his wooing than I would like, and Steve is fantastic as a foil for him. The mystery here is intriguing. Heading over to DG's website to see if there are more of these.
November 9, 2013
Audiobook:
Narrator is good, story was well paced, relationship between Elliot and Steve is progressing slowly. Nice crime story, despite I stumbled over the evidence the moment it was mentioned. That was a bit too obvious. But still, enjoyed listening to it, going to buy book 3, too.
Narrator is good, story was well paced, relationship between Elliot and Steve is progressing slowly. Nice crime story, despite I stumbled over the evidence the moment it was mentioned. That was a bit too obvious. But still, enjoyed listening to it, going to buy book 3, too.
July 17, 2015
I enjoyed this about as much as the first one. I like Elliott, and the mystery was okay (yes, there was a clue that tipped it toward the solution; otherwise the three solutions were about equal). Would read the others.
January 14, 2010
3.5 stars.
October 25, 2015
2009 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
September 25, 2010
A good mild ghost story. Nothing too heart racing in this one, not drama, nor sex or possible danger. But it's a good read if you're looking for a break from the lastest action packed novel.
May 20, 2012
Another great mystery!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews