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Portrait #1
A Portrait of Phillip
When Peter Brandon, a gifted young artist awakens from a coma of three years, he learns that his lover, Phillip, was brutally murdered and no one brought to justice for the crime. With the help of Andrew Connor, his physical therapist, he slowly regains his strength, but it is not until he visits Phllip's graveside and receives an affirmation that his dead lover is somehow guiding him to the truth, that he feels the need to get on with his life.
Through mutual friends, he meets Jeff Stevens, an ex-cop now a PI, and together they discover that Phillip was not the victim of a random gay-bashing, but of a deliberate act to silence him. They unravel a web of lies, deceit and a friend's treachery. During their investigation, Peter and Jeff find a mutual attraction for each other, a situation that is thrown into jeopardy in their final face off with Phillip's killer.
In his first novel, J.P. Bowie turns in a fast paced page turner filled with a likeable community of characters that will delight readers and keep then entertained till the last page.
Through mutual friends, he meets Jeff Stevens, an ex-cop now a PI, and together they discover that Phillip was not the victim of a random gay-bashing, but of a deliberate act to silence him. They unravel a web of lies, deceit and a friend's treachery. During their investigation, Peter and Jeff find a mutual attraction for each other, a situation that is thrown into jeopardy in their final face off with Phillip's killer.
In his first novel, J.P. Bowie turns in a fast paced page turner filled with a likeable community of characters that will delight readers and keep then entertained till the last page.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2002
11 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Bowie
136 books232 followersJ.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 16, 2009
This a gay mystery, a good one. In some places it is a bit too sugary and the clues leading to the murderer are handled with a heavy hand but since this is the author's first book, it's understandable and the series itself, further cases solved by Peter and Jeff, looks rather promising. I will definitely check it out. What I did like about this book was that it was all about the characters and plot, so there was very little sex that some authors use to patch empty space. And I really loved the supporting characters.
July 1, 2016
A Portrait Of Phillip
By J. P. Bowie
Reviewed by Jon Michaelsen
Awaking from a coma that lasted three years, gifted young artist, Peter Brandon, is told that his best friend and lover of the past ten years was dead, brutally murdered when both he and Peter were attacked in apparent gay-bashing outside a theater featuring a gay play. Worse, he learns that no one has been brought to justice for Phillip’s death.
For everyone else, Phillip’s death occurred three years before, yet in Peter mind, the horrible loss rings fresh, his emotions raw and painful. He has lost the love of his life and has little strength to go on, no longer caring what happens to him, wishing instead he had been the one murdered and not his previous Phillip.
Physical therapist, Andrew Connor, who was hired by Peter’s mother to attend to her son’s therapy while he remained in the void of coma, remains the boy’s physical therapist after Peter regains consciousness, and quickly learns the uphill battle he’s facing. It’s not until Phillip receives an affirmation from his deceased lover while visiting Phillip’s gravesite for the first time that Peter gets the needed strength to go on – to uncover the truth behind Phillip’s murder and see to it those responsible get justice.
Mutual friends introduce Peter to Jeff Stevens, an ex-cop now private investigator with a personal connection to Peter’s case, still frustrated police had dropped the ball in the investigation of the seemingly random gay-bashing. Soon, Peter and Jeff learn Phillip’s death isn’t so simple and that the young man was targeted because of something he had overheard at his place of employment.
Throughout the investigation, Peter finds himself increasingly drawn to Jeff while vascillating between guilt for having feelings for another man other than Phillip and moving on with his life, but it’s with the encouragement of Phillip’s spirit that ultimately pushes Peter forward, more than once realized that Phillip is the one responsible for bringing Jeff into Peter’s life.
A Portrait of Phillip is the first in a series of Portrait novels by J.P. Bowie. I actually began reading the fourth in the series, A Self-Portrait, first – having read all three Nick Fallon mysteries by the same author that I had enjoyed so much. I wanted to read more of how Nick Fallon was introduced and of how he had met Peter and Jeff.
I actually got about 70% into reading A Self-Portrait, which largely deals with the early years of how Peter and Phillip first met and of their subsequent relationship. A Self Portrait gave me far more insight into the two men, though perhaps many more tears since I had come to love Phillip to then have to read of the his attack and subsequent death. Reading these two novels in either order however gives the reader an awesome experience as J.P. Bowie is truly a talented story-teller, with the gift of fully drawing the reader in.
A Portrait of Phillip is as much a romantic love-story as an intriguing – and at times – a harrowing murder-mystery/thriller. The opening of the novel begins with Jeff missing and Peter frantic with worry and a moment of reverie has him reflecting on first meeting Phillip leading up to the attack. The last quarter of the novel pours on the thrills as friends (former NYC police detective, Nick Fallon and his partner, Eric) come to California to help Peter locate the missing Jeff. The result is a fast-paced romance/mystery/thriller sure to please and earn fans.
By J. P. Bowie
Reviewed by Jon Michaelsen
Awaking from a coma that lasted three years, gifted young artist, Peter Brandon, is told that his best friend and lover of the past ten years was dead, brutally murdered when both he and Peter were attacked in apparent gay-bashing outside a theater featuring a gay play. Worse, he learns that no one has been brought to justice for Phillip’s death.
For everyone else, Phillip’s death occurred three years before, yet in Peter mind, the horrible loss rings fresh, his emotions raw and painful. He has lost the love of his life and has little strength to go on, no longer caring what happens to him, wishing instead he had been the one murdered and not his previous Phillip.
Physical therapist, Andrew Connor, who was hired by Peter’s mother to attend to her son’s therapy while he remained in the void of coma, remains the boy’s physical therapist after Peter regains consciousness, and quickly learns the uphill battle he’s facing. It’s not until Phillip receives an affirmation from his deceased lover while visiting Phillip’s gravesite for the first time that Peter gets the needed strength to go on – to uncover the truth behind Phillip’s murder and see to it those responsible get justice.
Mutual friends introduce Peter to Jeff Stevens, an ex-cop now private investigator with a personal connection to Peter’s case, still frustrated police had dropped the ball in the investigation of the seemingly random gay-bashing. Soon, Peter and Jeff learn Phillip’s death isn’t so simple and that the young man was targeted because of something he had overheard at his place of employment.
Throughout the investigation, Peter finds himself increasingly drawn to Jeff while vascillating between guilt for having feelings for another man other than Phillip and moving on with his life, but it’s with the encouragement of Phillip’s spirit that ultimately pushes Peter forward, more than once realized that Phillip is the one responsible for bringing Jeff into Peter’s life.
A Portrait of Phillip is the first in a series of Portrait novels by J.P. Bowie. I actually began reading the fourth in the series, A Self-Portrait, first – having read all three Nick Fallon mysteries by the same author that I had enjoyed so much. I wanted to read more of how Nick Fallon was introduced and of how he had met Peter and Jeff.
I actually got about 70% into reading A Self-Portrait, which largely deals with the early years of how Peter and Phillip first met and of their subsequent relationship. A Self Portrait gave me far more insight into the two men, though perhaps many more tears since I had come to love Phillip to then have to read of the his attack and subsequent death. Reading these two novels in either order however gives the reader an awesome experience as J.P. Bowie is truly a talented story-teller, with the gift of fully drawing the reader in.
A Portrait of Phillip is as much a romantic love-story as an intriguing – and at times – a harrowing murder-mystery/thriller. The opening of the novel begins with Jeff missing and Peter frantic with worry and a moment of reverie has him reflecting on first meeting Phillip leading up to the attack. The last quarter of the novel pours on the thrills as friends (former NYC police detective, Nick Fallon and his partner, Eric) come to California to help Peter locate the missing Jeff. The result is a fast-paced romance/mystery/thriller sure to please and earn fans.
October 3, 2015
1.25 stars because it was better than Twilight.
I'm so irritated by this book that I don't think I'll end up even doing the full review. I wrote six notes on my Nook, all filled to the maximum number of letters as I went back and added more stuff and more stuff. I have no idea how this has high ratings. This was seriously one of the worst action/thriller/mystery/romance/whatever genre story I've ever read.
I'm going to say this first lest someone think I'm evil:
It's obvious this was a first book. It was re-released and allegedly re-edited (but I have no idea what they changed because they missed so much, including typos). Fortunately, the author has written other stuff that is much better. I really liked another book of his so I'm not giving up on him. But I cannot possibly recommend this book.
The writing was horrible, really horrible. There were massive info dumps about irrelevant stuff. The MCs don't even meet until halfway through the book and when they do, one of them is such an asshole that I never got over it. The first MC throws him out but the guy comes barging back and suddenly they're hot for each other and while MC2 says he may have been too harsh, MC1 says that no, he needed it. WHAT???
There were WAY too many characters, most unnecessary, and their irrelevant back stories were info dumped. The most interesting characters were a couple of stereotypical queens, right out of La Cage Aux Folles. The plot was confusing for no reason, there was no mystery and instead as soon as we're told part of the plot, there are more massive info dumps telling us what happened.
There was so little emotion described other than the initial grief (which MC1 went from devastated to suddenly fine because he thought he heard his lover tell him it was okay). I didn't feel anything between the MCs and I honestly didn't are about them. In fact, at the end during the trite and completely stupid and unrealistic .
The MCs were too stupid to live and then what a character needed would conveniently happen for them including the bad guy. Don't want one person to be able to reach another? Oh, he accidentally turned off his cell phone.
The first few chapters were from the perspective of someone not the PC, or from his partner, or occasionally someone else (and the head jumping got worse as the book went on, once happening the same paragraph. Before MC1 appeared, there was a sex scene between that first person and his partner. When I'm reading a romance (and that's what the second half is because the plot has been revealed and there isn't a whole lot of action) I don't want to witness other people having sex nor hear the book from their perspectives unless it's really cleverly done for a very good reason.
So yeah, that is the short version of what I'd planned to say about it.
I'm so irritated by this book that I don't think I'll end up even doing the full review. I wrote six notes on my Nook, all filled to the maximum number of letters as I went back and added more stuff and more stuff. I have no idea how this has high ratings. This was seriously one of the worst action/thriller/mystery/romance/whatever genre story I've ever read.
I'm going to say this first lest someone think I'm evil:
It's obvious this was a first book. It was re-released and allegedly re-edited (but I have no idea what they changed because they missed so much, including typos). Fortunately, the author has written other stuff that is much better. I really liked another book of his so I'm not giving up on him. But I cannot possibly recommend this book.
The writing was horrible, really horrible. There were massive info dumps about irrelevant stuff. The MCs don't even meet until halfway through the book and when they do, one of them is such an asshole that I never got over it. The first MC throws him out but the guy comes barging back and suddenly they're hot for each other and while MC2 says he may have been too harsh, MC1 says that no, he needed it. WHAT???
There were WAY too many characters, most unnecessary, and their irrelevant back stories were info dumped. The most interesting characters were a couple of stereotypical queens, right out of La Cage Aux Folles. The plot was confusing for no reason, there was no mystery and instead as soon as we're told part of the plot, there are more massive info dumps telling us what happened.
There was so little emotion described other than the initial grief (which MC1 went from devastated to suddenly fine because he thought he heard his lover tell him it was okay). I didn't feel anything between the MCs and I honestly didn't are about them. In fact, at the end during the trite and completely stupid and unrealistic .
The MCs were too stupid to live and then what a character needed would conveniently happen for them including the bad guy. Don't want one person to be able to reach another? Oh, he accidentally turned off his cell phone.
The first few chapters were from the perspective of someone not the PC, or from his partner, or occasionally someone else (and the head jumping got worse as the book went on, once happening the same paragraph. Before MC1 appeared, there was a sex scene between that first person and his partner. When I'm reading a romance (and that's what the second half is because the plot has been revealed and there isn't a whole lot of action) I don't want to witness other people having sex nor hear the book from their perspectives unless it's really cleverly done for a very good reason.
So yeah, that is the short version of what I'd planned to say about it.
June 22, 2020
This apparent re-read was a puzzling experience. My Goodreads records indicate I'd not read this Bowie title, so I bought it a couple of weeks back. Less than 5% into the read when niggles of suspicion started as parts of the read started to sound familiar. And with the introduction of Peter, Andrew, David and then Geoff! ... pieces started to fall in place and I know I'm familiar with this set of characters; especially since I have read all (bar one) of the author's 'Deadly' series. By the time the murderous baddies got introduced - I'm convinced I've read this a few years ago. So I'm mystified as to the lack of GR record on my dealings with this book and why I cannot locate it in my previous Kindle reader. Plus I had to re-rate all the Deadly titles all over again! even though I have read them so I don't know what the H@@@ is going on with GRs database!
OK - all that aside. I recognize this is the author's first self-published title, and thus the tendency to 'tell' in his writing style (skills are still being developed). . 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 (I doubt I would have rated it higher in my previous read methinks).
OK - all that aside. I recognize this is the author's first self-published title, and thus the tendency to 'tell' in his writing style (skills are still being developed). . 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 (I doubt I would have rated it higher in my previous read methinks).
March 31, 2013
I love Nick Fallon Investigations very much, so I wanted to know more about the guys and I'm very happy these series exist :)
Loved this book!
I believe the strength of these stories is in the characters and their relationship/friendship. I simply love their group of friends and how they all support each other and I love reading about happy and committed established relationship, it's like a breath of fresh air.
It was really interesting to see how Jeff and Peter first met and I have to say it's done very believable, and I loved how tactfully it was dealt with Peter's relationship with Phillip. There was no competition and no idolizing, but two different relationship with two different people. It was all very good and heartwarming.
I know many people have issues with pov changings, but I for one really love it and I think it adds a depth to the story and helps to create more 3D characters. Here it's really fleshed out Frank. He's a very-very bad guy, no doubt about it, but still he does have a redeeming quality - his love for Susan. I couldn't help, but felt sorry for him and how his life fell apart, because of his past and as Peter had said maybe it'd've been different if Frank met Susan earlier. The scene of his death and Susan's grief was one of the most powerful of the book to me.
I loved the ending too - I mean not just the HEA, it's a given - but that it wasn'd rushed, but very thorough and satisfying.
Absolutely amazing story and now I'm off to read the next one :)
Loved this book!
I believe the strength of these stories is in the characters and their relationship/friendship. I simply love their group of friends and how they all support each other and I love reading about happy and committed established relationship, it's like a breath of fresh air.
It was really interesting to see how Jeff and Peter first met and I have to say it's done very believable, and I loved how tactfully it was dealt with Peter's relationship with Phillip. There was no competition and no idolizing, but two different relationship with two different people. It was all very good and heartwarming.
I know many people have issues with pov changings, but I for one really love it and I think it adds a depth to the story and helps to create more 3D characters. Here it's really fleshed out Frank. He's a very-very bad guy, no doubt about it, but still he does have a redeeming quality - his love for Susan. I couldn't help, but felt sorry for him and how his life fell apart, because of his past and as Peter had said maybe it'd've been different if Frank met Susan earlier. The scene of his death and Susan's grief was one of the most powerful of the book to me.
I loved the ending too - I mean not just the HEA, it's a given - but that it wasn'd rushed, but very thorough and satisfying.
Absolutely amazing story and now I'm off to read the next one :)
December 16, 2022
4.5 stars A story of Peter coming back from being lost in a coma to wake and begin life again.
Andrew was a physical therapist and was taking on a new patient who needed his care and help. Peter 29 was in a coma for 3 years and wakes to be told his husband was dead.
Peter and Andrew form a friendship and through Andrew’s husband, David, who knows Jeff, an ex-policeman now a PI just maybe able to help.
There’s no guessing who the killers are as there told in the story but there’s a few twists the author throws in for readers. Peter is in danger which he doesn’t know it in the first quarter of the book.
A good buildup to introduce Jeff into the story of course, he’d been an old school crush of David’s. Phillip might be dead but he’s not gone far from Peter.
Peter and Jeff’s first meeting wasn’t a good one at first with Jeff trying to force the issue to help seek out the baddies.
Scenes progress and its a case of the good guys vs the baddies against the clock to see who’s caught.
I must admit I have read the previous version of the book and found this updated one much much better to read.
The chemistry between the characters was there for them in this which I loved.
Hot sexy scenes along the way and includes both POVs with a HEA but not without some trouble and dangers.
Triggers are included of homophobic attacks, murders, domestic violence which may distrub readers.
also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
Andrew was a physical therapist and was taking on a new patient who needed his care and help. Peter 29 was in a coma for 3 years and wakes to be told his husband was dead.
Peter and Andrew form a friendship and through Andrew’s husband, David, who knows Jeff, an ex-policeman now a PI just maybe able to help.
There’s no guessing who the killers are as there told in the story but there’s a few twists the author throws in for readers. Peter is in danger which he doesn’t know it in the first quarter of the book.
A good buildup to introduce Jeff into the story of course, he’d been an old school crush of David’s. Phillip might be dead but he’s not gone far from Peter.
Peter and Jeff’s first meeting wasn’t a good one at first with Jeff trying to force the issue to help seek out the baddies.
Scenes progress and its a case of the good guys vs the baddies against the clock to see who’s caught.
I must admit I have read the previous version of the book and found this updated one much much better to read.
The chemistry between the characters was there for them in this which I loved.
Hot sexy scenes along the way and includes both POVs with a HEA but not without some trouble and dangers.
Triggers are included of homophobic attacks, murders, domestic violence which may distrub readers.
also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
August 17, 2022
Apparently this a refresh from an earlier release, it is an amazing story of love, hate, political intrigue, murder, and sadly extreme homophobia. The homophobic language, while needed to expand certain characters, could be truly upsetting for some but please don't let that sway you, the homophobics are vastly out numbered here. I always enjoy this prolific authors works, never fails to provide great entertainment, this one is no exception.
February 21, 2016
Peter Brandon awakens from a 3 year coma discovering that his lover and best friend was killed in the brutal gay bashing incident. The only person who has been there and didn't give up hope was his beloved mother who stood vigil at his bedside constantly and always believed Peter would awaken.Peter feels lost without the love of his life, Philip, who he loved since he was 15 and now at the age of 28 has lost forever. Peter discovers through new friends and his mother Eve that he's stronger then he thought. With pride and determination, he decides to make the best of his life and make those pay who brutally killed Phillip. Can Peter find the killers of his beloved and also with the help of PI Jeff Stevens, find love again? This is a fun read and the first of the portrait mysteries.It's truly a good read!*****This is a wonderful series! I had to read it again because it's that good! 2/21/16.
January 2, 2011
When Peter Brandon, a gifted young artist awakens from a coma of three years, he learns that his lover, Phillip, was brutally murdered and no one brought to justice for the crime. With the help of Andrew Connor, his physical therapist, he slowly regains his strength, but it is not until he visits Phllip's graveside and receives an affirmation that his dead lover is somehow guiding him to the truth, that he feels the need to get on with his life.
Through mutual friends, he meets Jeff Stevens, an ex-cop now a PI, and together they discover that Phillip was not the victim of a random gay-bashing, but of a deliberate act to silence him. They unravel a web of lies, deceit and a friend's treachery. During their investigation, Peter and Jeff find a mutual attraction for each other, a situation that is thrown into jeopardy in their final face off with Phillip's killer.
Through mutual friends, he meets Jeff Stevens, an ex-cop now a PI, and together they discover that Phillip was not the victim of a random gay-bashing, but of a deliberate act to silence him. They unravel a web of lies, deceit and a friend's treachery. During their investigation, Peter and Jeff find a mutual attraction for each other, a situation that is thrown into jeopardy in their final face off with Phillip's killer.
August 13, 2013
I didn't care for this one that much. I skimmed through a large portion of it. It felt like a first novel by the author and might very well have been. The dialogue was a bit like a soap opera manuscript - overly dramatic but kind of awkward. I totally skipped past all the sex scenes. It really didn't draw me in even though it had all the pieces to do so. I almost just set it aside, but I wanted to find out how it ended, so I finished it. I won't be reading this one again, I'm afraid.
May 12, 2014
I just found this series by J.P. Bowie and I love it! I actually started with the first book in the Nick Fallon series and found that one so entertaining that when I realized the secondary characters in that series started as the MC's in this series, I stopped that series and started this one.
Love the MC's. Love the secondary characters. Love the interesting story line. Love the intrigue. Love the sex. Love the writing. So, so, so glad there are more books in this series!
Love the MC's. Love the secondary characters. Love the interesting story line. Love the intrigue. Love the sex. Love the writing. So, so, so glad there are more books in this series!
June 22, 2014
Good premise and well-thought out supporting characters. The problem lies with the MC, Peter. The blurb will tell you the essentials, but Peter's post coma love affair seems very rushed and more than unlikely. It's equal parts romance and mystery, but the mystery portion is not as well written and much less interesting. But it is serviceable and will certainly keep your interest. It's the start of a series and good enough that I'll continue.
March 28, 2011
This story starts out with one narrator/main protagonist and ends up with another one. I consider this to be bad story telling. For me, the author didn't pay enough attention to the process of falling in love. In one scene Peter is still pining after Philip, in the other he is lusting after Jeff and in the next he is in love with him. Otherwise I liked this m/m mystery well enough.
June 23, 2011
I really love it.
Some incoherence, like the guy passed the last three years in coma but after three weeks up, he is at his home but nothing major.
Some incoherence, like the guy passed the last three years in coma but after three weeks up, he is at his home but nothing major.
January 4, 2011
Touching, but suspenseful paranormal. Gave it a 4.5 star rating. Would like to read the rest of the series.
July 15, 2012
very good read, was drawn in by the characters, some of which sounded like people i have known over the years, others like people that i would want to meet
October 17, 2012
Love this series. The characters are interesting though some times cliche. It has humor, it's sexy and although the mysteries were kind of easy to figure out I enjoyed the ride immensely.
May 15, 2014
're reading this and still amazing.
March 23, 2014
Why did I wait so long to start reading these series? Absolutely loved the book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews