Freeze Me, Tender

by Michael A. Black

Ten years ago the hillbilly king of rock-and-roll, Colton Purcell, was cryogenically frozen after his premature death. Or was he? Chicago-based magazine reporter Harry Bauer intends to find out as he becomes involved in a convoluted murder plot stretching from good-old Memphis to glitzy Las Vegas, where the tenth anniversary celebration of Colton's death is in full swing. When Harry's mentor and friend, a Vegas reporter specializing in conspiracy theories, turns up murdered, Harry is intent on finding out why. But in a city where illusion often transcends reality, the truth proves more elusive than a gambler's lucky streak. Not only is there a huge Colton imitator contest going on, but the King's only daughter is set to marry the epicene Prince of Latino Pop (despite her mother's objections), and a mysterious young man has introduced himself to Harry, claiming to be Colton's illegitimate son. The trail leads Harry to the dark side of sin city, crossing paths with a bunch of mob guys, a very efficient (and very large) contract killer, and some unexpected people from Colton Purcell's past. There's also the murder of Colton's famous manager, the abduction of a mysterious figure from a Memphis nursing home, and a host of other problems that make Harry begin to wonder, is it really Colton Purcell hanging upside down in that cryogenic tube full of liquid nitrogen? If Harry can live long enough, he may just find out.

Michael A. Black has been a police officer in the south suburbs of Chicago for the past twenty-seven years. His hobbies include weightlifting, running, and the martial arts. He holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. It is rumored he has five cats.

346 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2006

Reviews

[Katy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall the book was decent. I enjoyed the numerous storylines converging together at the climax through the finale. However, the ending seemed to wrap up a little too perfectly for Harry.

*SPOILER*
The main character, Harry, a down on his luck, recovering alcoholic reporter willingly chooses not to expose the biggest paternity secret in rock and roll history regarding Colton Purcell? Additionally, chooses to ignore the hidden brother of Colton -- Clayton aka Willard -- who was stuffed in an, albeit luxurious, care home for the majority of his life? Then, ignoring the reporting angle here, as a friend to Gabe, fails to inform him, he is the legitimate son of King of Rock and Roll, Colton Purcell, and therefore the rightful inheritor of the inheritance -- NOT Melissa Michelle, illegitimate (brat) daughter of widow Ladonna and Colton's former body guard Sonny? It's not even like he is honoring Sonny's dying wish since Sonny is set to recover from his GSW obtained via his and Harry's desert struggle with the cronies. I mean I suppose its nice Ladonna is welcoming Gabe into the Purcell family/lifestyle and there is no reason to give Melissa Michelle the shaft since its not her fault she was born of an affair BUT the Purcell inheritance and estate rightfully belongs to Gabe.

[timj26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery fit for a king
This was like an alternate history of Elvis using parody characters
Well narrated with an entertaining original plot highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review

[Elaine Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved Elvis, you'll love Freeze Me, Tender. A determined reporter, Las Vegas, and outrageous characters kept me reading and thoroughly entertained. A great read.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Black is a veteran and a police officer and he makes good use of his experience in his books. In this one, we have a journalist named Harry Bauer getting involved in a murder plot in glitzy Vegas.