What do you think?
Rate this book
False Evidence
What begins as a cursory glance at the high-rise apartment opposite soon becomes something much darker and far more dangerous.
For bored accountant, Kevin Mitchell, lusting after gorgeous, muscular Tony in the adjacent building, quickly builds into an obsession.
So when Tony shows up at Kevin’s apartment bloody and bruised, Kevin offers him instant refuge…and a place in his bed. But, all is not what it seems as police draw a different conclusion in their hunt for a violent killer.
Will Kevin’s plea of false evidence save him from a life behind bars?
For bored accountant, Kevin Mitchell, lusting after gorgeous, muscular Tony in the adjacent building, quickly builds into an obsession.
So when Tony shows up at Kevin’s apartment bloody and bruised, Kevin offers him instant refuge…and a place in his bed. But, all is not what it seems as police draw a different conclusion in their hunt for a violent killer.
Will Kevin’s plea of false evidence save him from a life behind bars?
108 pages, ebook
First published May 16, 2012
About the author
Jon Michaelsen
8 books128 followersJon Michaelsen writes fiction in Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense sub-genres where the main characters are gay. Numerous writers have influenced his writing: David Baldacci, Barry Eisler & John Grisham, and ground-breaking writers, Patricia Nell Warren, Michael Nava, and Mark Zubro. Recent authors in the Gay Mystery genre also have influenced his writing: Greg Herren, John Morgan Wilson, Steve Neil Johnson, David Lennon & Marshall Thornton.
His debut novel, Pretty Boy Dead, the first novel in the Kendall Parker Mysteries series was selected as Finalist - Gay Mystery Finalist by the Lambda Literary Awards committee, and short-novel, Prince of the Sea, earned 2017 BEST GAY MEN'S FICTION AWARD from the Gay Fiction for Gay Men Goodreads Reading Group. His soon-to-released book, The Deadwood Murders, is the second novel in the Kendall Parker Mysteries series.
Founder of Gay Mystery-Thriller-Suspense FB Group: a discussion group for GLBTQ-themed fiction/non-fiction & audio-books dedicated to Readers & Writers of GLBTQ mysteries & suspense /thrillers where fans of the sub-genre(s) can share their thoughts about and their favorites, ask questions of writer-members, and a
place where writers can engage with their fans.
He lives with his husband of 33 years and two monstrous terriers. He enjoys hearing from readers and can be contracted directly at michaelsen.jon@gmail.com.
Find Jon Michaeslsen on the web:
http://www.jonmichaelsen.com
http://www.facebook/jonmichaelsen
http://www.amazon.com/Jon-Michaelsen/...
His debut novel, Pretty Boy Dead, the first novel in the Kendall Parker Mysteries series was selected as Finalist - Gay Mystery Finalist by the Lambda Literary Awards committee, and short-novel, Prince of the Sea, earned 2017 BEST GAY MEN'S FICTION AWARD from the Gay Fiction for Gay Men Goodreads Reading Group. His soon-to-released book, The Deadwood Murders, is the second novel in the Kendall Parker Mysteries series.
Founder of Gay Mystery-Thriller-Suspense FB Group: a discussion group for GLBTQ-themed fiction/non-fiction & audio-books dedicated to Readers & Writers of GLBTQ mysteries & suspense /thrillers where fans of the sub-genre(s) can share their thoughts about and their favorites, ask questions of writer-members, and a
place where writers can engage with their fans.
He lives with his husband of 33 years and two monstrous terriers. He enjoys hearing from readers and can be contracted directly at michaelsen.jon@gmail.com.
Find Jon Michaeslsen on the web:
http://www.jonmichaelsen.com
http://www.facebook/jonmichaelsen
http://www.amazon.com/Jon-Michaelsen/...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Read
May 10, 2013Amos Lassen's review of False Evidence:
http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=16264
Romance and Mystery
One of the things I love about reviewing is meeting new propel even if only by their writing. Jon Michaelson was kind enough to make a comment on a review I did of Lambda Award winner, David Lennon so I decided to find out more about him and sure enough, he is also a writer and has a new book coming out (which is the subject of this review). When you read as much as I do, it is always fun to read something from someone that you never have read before.
“False Evidence: Murder Most Deadly 1” is interesting in that it is both a romance and a mystery and Michaelson has created a fascinating character in Kevin Miller, an accountant who is bored with his job. He dreams about and lusts after Tony, who lives in the building next to his and before Kevin realizes it, he is obsessed with him. Then Tony surprises Kevin by coming to his apartment, bruised and bloody. Kevin helps him and shows him to his bed. However, (there is always a “however”), something is strange and when the police arrive we learn that all is not what it appears to be. The police are searching for a violent murderer and here is where I have to be careful not to give anything away.
For whatever reason, Kevin feels like he is a nerd and can never find someone who is built and good-looking but of course he underestimates himself. In fact, I wanted to yell at him to get with it and that if Tony didn’t want him, he could come put his shoes under my bed (and then climb in).
I really like the way the erotic scenes were handled—they were just hot enough and were tastefully rendered and it is Kevin who propels this novel forward. We watch as he becomes more and more obsessed with Tony and as his obsession leads to danger. It seems as if his fantasy man actually possessed him and possession leads to danger in many cases. Kevin allowed this obsession to take him over completely. Michaelson has written quite a book here and once I began I did not leave my chair until I closed the covers. I could not help but notice that this book is titled as “Murder Most Deadly 1” which means that there are more coming and I cannot wait to read them.
http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=16264
Romance and Mystery
One of the things I love about reviewing is meeting new propel even if only by their writing. Jon Michaelson was kind enough to make a comment on a review I did of Lambda Award winner, David Lennon so I decided to find out more about him and sure enough, he is also a writer and has a new book coming out (which is the subject of this review). When you read as much as I do, it is always fun to read something from someone that you never have read before.
“False Evidence: Murder Most Deadly 1” is interesting in that it is both a romance and a mystery and Michaelson has created a fascinating character in Kevin Miller, an accountant who is bored with his job. He dreams about and lusts after Tony, who lives in the building next to his and before Kevin realizes it, he is obsessed with him. Then Tony surprises Kevin by coming to his apartment, bruised and bloody. Kevin helps him and shows him to his bed. However, (there is always a “however”), something is strange and when the police arrive we learn that all is not what it appears to be. The police are searching for a violent murderer and here is where I have to be careful not to give anything away.
For whatever reason, Kevin feels like he is a nerd and can never find someone who is built and good-looking but of course he underestimates himself. In fact, I wanted to yell at him to get with it and that if Tony didn’t want him, he could come put his shoes under my bed (and then climb in).
I really like the way the erotic scenes were handled—they were just hot enough and were tastefully rendered and it is Kevin who propels this novel forward. We watch as he becomes more and more obsessed with Tony and as his obsession leads to danger. It seems as if his fantasy man actually possessed him and possession leads to danger in many cases. Kevin allowed this obsession to take him over completely. Michaelson has written quite a book here and once I began I did not leave my chair until I closed the covers. I could not help but notice that this book is titled as “Murder Most Deadly 1” which means that there are more coming and I cannot wait to read them.
August 1, 2012
While I don't want to say too much because I want to avoid spoilers, I will say that for me, the first half of the book had me wondering if I should continue reading or not. I just wasn't really liking the MC or his co-worker, I wasn't liking the story and I found myself getting frustrated because I just found that I didn't really care about what I was reading, it wasn't keeping me interested, in fact, the first half of the book never did have me interested at all. So having said all of that, why have I given this book four stars? Because about half-way through the book I became more interested and also because the situation that the MC finds himself in can and does happen today but mostly, I gave this four stars because I am actually pretty confident that the sequel to this book will make up for the slow and frankly boring first half of this book so yes I will be reading the sequel and based on the ending of this book, I can't wait to read about what will happen.
Don't let what I said keep you from reading this book, I do think that the sequel will be good and I am looking forward to reading it. I think my main problem is that the book just felt too short and the first half felt like it was all about one thing that the MC was doing and nothing else, there wasn't very much to the first half but like I said, the second half made up for that and the sequel should prove to be interesting.
Don't let what I said keep you from reading this book, I do think that the sequel will be good and I am looking forward to reading it. I think my main problem is that the book just felt too short and the first half felt like it was all about one thing that the MC was doing and nothing else, there wasn't very much to the first half but like I said, the second half made up for that and the sequel should prove to be interesting.
April 23, 2013
4 star worthy! I don't want to give to much away from this novella. Mr Michaelsen did a brilliant job of portraying Kevin's obsession with sexy Tony. Even throwing in the needy co worker/ friend. That needs to know it all. But in the big picture I never saw it coming! Which says a lot because I'm always the 1st to pick things apart to figure stuff out well ahead of the actual happening. The saddest part a big ole cliffy. Augh! Now the wait begins.
May 14, 2012
I had a chance to read "Murder Most Deadly 1: False Evidence," by m/m fiction author, Jon Michaelsen, last week. It's a m/m romance novella, with a mystery/suspense theme that revolves around the main character's infatuation with an extremely attractive young man who lives in an adjacent building. The book is set in Atlanta, where some of my favorite books of all time have been set ("Peachtree Road" by Anne Rivers Siddens).
I hate to write reviews like this because I'm always worried I'll give out a spoiler, and with a book like this, almost anything I say could ruin something for the reader. So I'll try to keep it short and ambiguous, and focus more on how I felt while I as reading the book.
When I started reading, I obviously expected a murder mystery. But it's a little tricky at first, because there's an interesting set up that involves a little harmless voyeurism, a hot young guy, and a decent young guy who seems lonely. In fact, the lonely guy almost seems to have self-esteem issues. But only he feels this way. I felt that he underestimated himself in more ways than one. And I immediately started to cheer him on as the book progressed. I like this in any book, where I start to feel emotionally invested in the character. I wanted to see him change.
And he did change. In more ways than I expected. There are some erotic scenes that are handled very well. Nothing that I would consider over-the-top, but in the same respect they were arousing...both emotionally and physically. I've been let down before, but not this time. And this is why I wound up reading the book in one sitting when I should have been doing something else.
Another reason I wound up reading it in full that night was because there was a ring of reality I don't see often enough. I have known characters like this in real life, where they get involved with someone thinking it's all going to be innocent and it winds up becoming something they never expected. I honestly can't say anything more than this because I would ruin the book for other people. But this shit happens to gay guys all the time. In fact, it almost happened to me once. And though I wish I could explain in more detail, it wouldn't be fair.
In the end, just when I started to feel there was no hope left, something interesting happened that made me feel so much better. No details because that would ruin the ending. But I will say that I'm looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens. The main character is someone I won't forget, nor will I forget his complicated situation. And that doesn't happen often to me.
I hate to write reviews like this because I'm always worried I'll give out a spoiler, and with a book like this, almost anything I say could ruin something for the reader. So I'll try to keep it short and ambiguous, and focus more on how I felt while I as reading the book.
When I started reading, I obviously expected a murder mystery. But it's a little tricky at first, because there's an interesting set up that involves a little harmless voyeurism, a hot young guy, and a decent young guy who seems lonely. In fact, the lonely guy almost seems to have self-esteem issues. But only he feels this way. I felt that he underestimated himself in more ways than one. And I immediately started to cheer him on as the book progressed. I like this in any book, where I start to feel emotionally invested in the character. I wanted to see him change.
And he did change. In more ways than I expected. There are some erotic scenes that are handled very well. Nothing that I would consider over-the-top, but in the same respect they were arousing...both emotionally and physically. I've been let down before, but not this time. And this is why I wound up reading the book in one sitting when I should have been doing something else.
Another reason I wound up reading it in full that night was because there was a ring of reality I don't see often enough. I have known characters like this in real life, where they get involved with someone thinking it's all going to be innocent and it winds up becoming something they never expected. I honestly can't say anything more than this because I would ruin the book for other people. But this shit happens to gay guys all the time. In fact, it almost happened to me once. And though I wish I could explain in more detail, it wouldn't be fair.
In the end, just when I started to feel there was no hope left, something interesting happened that made me feel so much better. No details because that would ruin the ending. But I will say that I'm looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens. The main character is someone I won't forget, nor will I forget his complicated situation. And that doesn't happen often to me.
June 20, 2012
Extended version of Voyeur.
1.5 stars Hmmm, I'm actually pretty confused by all the high ratings on this one. The description sounded really interesting, although to be honest I misread and thought Tony was going to be the one who had false evidence against him instead of Kevin, so maybe that misconception affected my view. But yea.
First, I feel like any book that's going to end with "to be continued..." needs to say so ahead of time. I mean there are cliffhangers, and then there are works in progress. "To be continued" is a work in progress, and I'd like to know that before buying it.
Second, I just didn't really like anyone in this book. I liked Kevin at first, and I didn't mind his creepy and sad slide into obsession initially. But it just got to be a little too much. I had wanted him to really feel something genuine for Tony and simply not be able to stop himself catching some peeks, but instead he had this false and unrealistic perception of how perfect and wonderful Tony was and he genuinely did become a crazy delusional stalker. He became a bit of a characterization for me and I wasn't able to feel a connection with him at all. And again, misconceptions, but I had thought it was romantic suspense (which I guess I associate with a love story and an at least somewhat happy ending), and it wasn't for me. So yeah. Alice was just annoying and didn't bring anything to the story besides evidence/witness stuff. She could have been over the top but still been likeable, but no. And obviously I don't need to say anything about Tony. Unfortunately I was pretty disappointed with this one.
1.5 stars Hmmm, I'm actually pretty confused by all the high ratings on this one. The description sounded really interesting, although to be honest I misread and thought Tony was going to be the one who had false evidence against him instead of Kevin, so maybe that misconception affected my view. But yea.
First, I feel like any book that's going to end with "to be continued..." needs to say so ahead of time. I mean there are cliffhangers, and then there are works in progress. "To be continued" is a work in progress, and I'd like to know that before buying it.
Second, I just didn't really like anyone in this book. I liked Kevin at first, and I didn't mind his creepy and sad slide into obsession initially. But it just got to be a little too much. I had wanted him to really feel something genuine for Tony and simply not be able to stop himself catching some peeks, but instead he had this false and unrealistic perception of how perfect and wonderful Tony was and he genuinely did become a crazy delusional stalker. He became a bit of a characterization for me and I wasn't able to feel a connection with him at all. And again, misconceptions, but I had thought it was romantic suspense (which I guess I associate with a love story and an at least somewhat happy ending), and it wasn't for me. So yeah. Alice was just annoying and didn't bring anything to the story besides evidence/witness stuff. She could have been over the top but still been likeable, but no. And obviously I don't need to say anything about Tony. Unfortunately I was pretty disappointed with this one.
June 17, 2012
3.5 stars
Kevin, a corporate accountant, finds his life turned upside down when he notices a handsome young man living in the building across the street. Interest and infatuation quickly turns into obsession as Kevin watches the man through binoculars and cameras. When the two men finally meet, Kevin's desire increases tenfold. He also soon discovers that Tony is living in a complicated situation with a partner. Even though he knows the risks involved, Kevin still pursues the relationship, with disastrous results.
While reading the first half of this book, I noticed it's like a modern-day Rear Window, a favorite movie of mine. The voyeuristic nature makes the story thrilling, yet at the same time disturbing. Kevin's obsession with Tony runs deep, almost to the point where I questioned his sanity. What made it even sadder was the fact that this behavior was Kevin's only form of excitement in his mundane life.
The overall mystery, which starts about 65% into the book, was gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat. I flew through the last third of the book, desperate to see what was going to happen. False Evidence sets the groundwork for additional books as the MC tries to solve the mystery for the sake of his own sanity and freedom. I look forward to reading them and seeing where Jon Michelsen takes this character.
I noticed a couple of typos, but nothing that was too distracting. I think the one thing I took the most issue with was the character Alice. She was very unlikeable and seemed to think she was entitled to know every detail of Kevin's life. Part of me wondered if she had feelings for him, despite knowing he was gay. She seemed way too needy, clingy, rude and petulant to be anyone's friend.
Kevin, a corporate accountant, finds his life turned upside down when he notices a handsome young man living in the building across the street. Interest and infatuation quickly turns into obsession as Kevin watches the man through binoculars and cameras. When the two men finally meet, Kevin's desire increases tenfold. He also soon discovers that Tony is living in a complicated situation with a partner. Even though he knows the risks involved, Kevin still pursues the relationship, with disastrous results.
While reading the first half of this book, I noticed it's like a modern-day Rear Window, a favorite movie of mine. The voyeuristic nature makes the story thrilling, yet at the same time disturbing. Kevin's obsession with Tony runs deep, almost to the point where I questioned his sanity. What made it even sadder was the fact that this behavior was Kevin's only form of excitement in his mundane life.
The overall mystery, which starts about 65% into the book, was gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat. I flew through the last third of the book, desperate to see what was going to happen. False Evidence sets the groundwork for additional books as the MC tries to solve the mystery for the sake of his own sanity and freedom. I look forward to reading them and seeing where Jon Michelsen takes this character.
I noticed a couple of typos, but nothing that was too distracting. I think the one thing I took the most issue with was the character Alice. She was very unlikeable and seemed to think she was entitled to know every detail of Kevin's life. Part of me wondered if she had feelings for him, despite knowing he was gay. She seemed way too needy, clingy, rude and petulant to be anyone's friend.
August 1, 2012
I'm very conflicted on what to say about False Evidence. Mr. Michaelsen's writting held my attention and I will read the next book. However, though I thought that this was a romantic suspense, it really isn't a romance at all. It's one nice, sweet, shy, awkward man's obsession with a bad man. Also,I was disappointed that we were left with a cliffhanger, all my GR friends know I hate cliffhangers. Still hours after finishing it I keep thinking how bad I feel for poor Kevin. What a horrifying and heart breaking situation. I'm now just hoping that this will all lead him to the love of his life and the HEA that he deserves.
FYI....Update for my friends... it's now many hours after I've finished reading False Evidence and I still remember the whole thing. As all my GR friends know with my terrible memory that rarely happens. Definitely a compelling story, Jon! Thank you! :-)
FYI....Update for my friends... it's now many hours after I've finished reading False Evidence and I still remember the whole thing. As all my GR friends know with my terrible memory that rarely happens. Definitely a compelling story, Jon! Thank you! :-)
June 20, 2012
What fascinated me about this story was how the author exposes how unbelievably simple it is - how very little it actually takes - for a harmless infatuation to become a life-altering obsession. And how that obsession then colors the very perception of reality far beyond the point that actual reality should have sunk in.
Well done. Minus one star for the cliffhanger ending. Grr.
Well done. Minus one star for the cliffhanger ending. Grr.
May 21, 2012
Interesting foray into the obsessive mind, which is right up my nightmare alley. The only thing about it I didn't like is that it ends on a cliffhanger with the dreaded "to be continued" as its final words. I will definitely be picking up the sequel, but not a fan of coitus interruptus, as it were. Still...highly recommended.
June 8, 2012
Great, suspenseful read. Loved the slow spiraling obsession the main character experienced, and took me as a reader right along with him. It's a quick read and really drew me in. Ends on a cliff hanger and I'm really looking forward to the next book to see how it all turns out (I hear it's wrapped up in the second book).
May 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this. The tension built up wonderfully. The only thing that I didn't like was the fact that this feels like half a story. Having said that, I can't wait for the next thrilling instalment!
July 25, 2012
This was an interesting read and I really enjoyed all the Atlanta references. It made me feel at home.
My fear of heights kicked in just reading about all the penthouse apartments in the book. Looking out those windows...brrrr!
My fear of heights kicked in just reading about all the penthouse apartments in the book. Looking out those windows...brrrr!
June 6, 2012
Great start to a serial! I loved it. In many ways Jon Michaelsen's writing reminds me of James Cain (The Postman Always Rings Twice). Michaelsen uses much more description than Cain, but Michaelsen also drives the story forward without giving the reader a chance to think, only feel.
April 12, 2013
I am currently reading this book. The author has painted a nice picture of the main character and is well written. This character is very likable and has grabbed my attention. The story is now unraveling so lets go turn the page and see what's next.
June 18, 2012
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the mystery and look forward to reading future installments and seeing where Jon Michaelsen takes his character Kevin.
I enjoyed the mystery and look forward to reading future installments and seeing where Jon Michaelsen takes his character Kevin.
August 16, 2018
This is much more a mystery with a gay main character rather than a romance of any sort. Socially awkward young man gets framed for murder by the guy that he's obsessed with. Cliffhanger. Although the writing was a bit stilted at times, and Kevin sometimes acted much older than he was purported to be, it was still an intriguing concept and well-played, in a creepy and haunting way.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews