The Monologist

by Aquino Loayza

What's life without risk?

At least that’s what Patrick Gallagher tells himself as he arrives in Las Vegas at the peak of the Cold War with a dream that can’t be bought in gold or jewels: To become a standup comedian, a monologist. But nobody can run away from their past, no matter how bright their future may seem. The world isn’t as clear as it appears. Will Patrick succeed? Or will he discover that everything has its price and some costs can’t be quantified in a dollar bill?

In this queer revolutionary imagining of 1963 Las Vegas, Aquino Loayza, Author of the Queer Cosmic Epic: Deep, explores the seedy underbelly of Sin City in its infancy as Patrick Gallagher embarks on his quest to defy the odds and become The Monologist.

270 pages, Unknown Binding

Published July 16, 2024

About the author

Aquino Loayza is a Queer Latino author from the Boston Area. Deep is their Debut Novel. Aquino has always been drawn to horror, and deeper societal themes. Outside of writing, Aquino enjoys traveling and experiencing the peculiar, strange, and otherwise overlooked. They live with their wife and pug in rural Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I had no idea what to expect from this book, and it was a trip from start to finish. There were mysteries within mysteries, and the reveals did not disappoint. Aquino is a gifted storyteller, and I plan to check out their previous novel, DEEP.

[Rich Sanford · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars … I liked the characters and the story pulled me along despite a couple slow sections, it had a couple nice reveals and ultimately shared an interesting take on the devil and his motivation … but I also found it a little slow and a little confusing so not as enjoyable as it might have been.

[Elford Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loayza's second novel is a moving and haunting look at the price of success, one that goes into so many unexpected directions. What will you sacrifice to make it, what will you become to succeed? The novel follows Pat, a gay stand-up comedian trying to outrun his past and navigate 1960s Las Vegas, where it looks like he may finally be able to be himself. But an entity from his past has followed him across the country, and he's realizing his new employers are a lot of things, and human may not be one of them.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review.

An Irish comedian, Patrick, with dreams of the big stage finds himself needing to flee his hometown sooner (and more permanent) than anticipated due to his role in the death of a bigot. But as it often is, he simply managed to jump from the frying pan into the fire and in his quest for success finds himself courted by a powerful organization. They might be the Mob, or they might be something much, much darker. Either way, they are not taking no for an answer and so he soon finds himself working for them, always waiting for the other shoe to drop. But there is also a spark of joy to be found. A nice man he met at his first night at a bar (Lorenzo?) and who might, like him, be interested in a different kind of relationship. But even here, the question remains, can he really trust anybody?
The novella wonderfully showcases the ever-present dread of not only being a newcomer in an unfamiliar place and having to find your way amidst new people, but also of having a secret (or in Patrick’s case two) dogging your every step. The characters are often from marginalized backgrounds, and I really enjoyed the way the story made sure to present a varied and diverse cast, without falling into the trap of respectability politics, where we need to be perfect to be acceptable. Instead, the characters are often flawed and for that vastly more interesting. While I admit that I found myself wondering how everything was going to come together when the supernatural aspects were introduced to the story, I do think the payoff and the conclusion was more than worth it.
I particularly enjoyed the writing style and the use of time-accurate vernacular as it made the story feel different and intriguing. You just can’t help but root for Patrick and wonder how he is going to survive all this. I also liked that the novel allows for marginalized rage to take such a front and center stage and so even though I found myself a little bit bored during the set-up, the pay-off was more than worth it and I really enjoyed that I could accompany Patrick on his trip through Vegas.
Marginalizations examined in this novel are mainly poverty, homophobia and race-based (Latinx, Native American and Black) but it also touches on gender, transphobia and ableism in ways that made my heart ache and rage. If you enjoy marginalized anger and also sometimes just want to see the world burn, do yourself a favor and check this book out and enjoy the ride!

tw: homophobia, past suicide, murder, violence, being burned alive, ableism, racism

[Raquel L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aquino Loayza’s The Monologist is a deal with the devil story that lures you in with its charming backdrop of an old Las Vegas and its earnest protagonist who yearns to make it big as a comedian. But what lies beneath the surface will shock and challenge you. This novel is quite different from Loayza’s debut Deep and shows incredible range, although the fully realized characters that stick with you, the witty dialogue and committed vernacular, and the beautifully layered and nuanced themes seem to be consistent in Loayza’s work. This is a novel that is just as wildly charming and entertaining as it is deeply artistic and political. I certainly will never think of the devil the same way again, and I am looking forward to returning to this novel. Loayza’s work has a tendency to be unforgettable, to stick with you in your gut, and to continue to pull you back in for more, again and again, and The Monologist is no exception!

[Danny Brzozowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute coup of transformation. Impeccable setup and unexpected execution.

[Phrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who follows my fb or my ig stories knows I love a sleazy, vintage horror flick. If it came out before I was born, wouldn’t get through today’s censors whatsoever, and had hairstyles/polyester ensembles the mind cannot fathom…count me in. So when I saw that Aquino was doing a retro Vegas story, I said *insert problematic euphemism they used freely back then*, I’m in like sin.

Quick Synopsis:
Patrick is a comedian who wants to make it big. So after a few unfortunate circumstances led him to Sin City, it was now or never. Knowing you had to crack a few eggs to make an omelette, he did what he had to do to establish himself as more than just the new kid in town. But did he bite off more than he can chew? Who can he trust now that he’s seen too much? Will the guy he’s sweet on be his Achilles heel? He’s come so far, but what else might have come along for a ride?

I love a little camp with my rusty, dusty, crusty tales but Aquino said “Nah, shut up & listen, I’ve got a story to tell Daddio.” A helluva story too. Having only read his debut The Deep, I wasn’t sure what to expect from him tbh, but I knew I was in good hands regardless. What we get is a gritty story that felt true to the era but still updated enough to keep the TikTok kids engaged. Unsavory business deals that were concrete shoe adjacent, intense altercations amongst friends/foes, and the nagging feeling that you always had to keep your head on a swivel keeps you glued to the pages. Then just when you think this slowly simmering panic attack can’t get any stickier, the supernatural element gets introduced that will knock you on your ass in a crescendo you will NEVER see coming. Needless to say, Aquino “Intensity” Loayza ground my nerves to smithereens with this one, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the other City that Never Sleeps. I recommend this one if you want horror with charisma that keeps it classy & trashy throughout.