Deadly Wrong

Deadly Mystery #2

by Victor J. Banis

The police say "involuntary manslaughter" but a tragic accident turns out instead to be murder, plain and simple. And San Francisco Homicide Inspector Stanley Korski, on leave from the force and his unrequited love for fellow detective Tom Danzel, walks right into a murderer's web of treachery. Wrong, Stanley. Deadly wrong.

Genres: M M Romance, Mystery, Romance, Contemporary, Crime, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Victor J. Banis is a writer. http://www.vjbanisauthor.com/

Victor Jerome Banis (May 25, 1937 – February 22, 2019) was an American author, often associated with the first wave of west coast gay writing. For his contributions he has been called "the godfather of modern popular gay fiction

Reviews

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the second installment of Stanley's and Tom's story.
A dead gay teen in a Mountain town proves to be an interesting case to Stanley after taking a break from his homicide affairs in San Francisco.

What starts off as a favor to a former school mate soon turns into a deadly race to prove a young man's innocence. Who killed the kid and why does everyone in that town seem to have some secret?

When Stanley's investigation starts to backfire on him, his former SFPD partner/casual ex-lover/bi-curious straight macho Tom Danzel comes to the rescue.

Will Stan be able to convince his man to finally stay by his side?

I can't get enough of these characters. There's actually so much that bugs me about this series. The constant sexual innuendos on every corner, Stanley's thoughts going in directions that give me goosebumps (like contemplating hooking Tom up with the prime suspect as a means to open up Tom a bit more... I mean, who does that?! Even in theory....), Tom not admitting to be *anything* to Stanley and in return Stanley asks him "Do you love me?". Logical sequence right?
I also don't like the sudden POV changes and the short POV sequences from side characters who didn't get much spotlight in the rest of the book.

Still, I like Stanley very much. He's quirky and funny. Whoever recruited him for the homicide department must have been on some serious medication, though. He's a hopelessly loving gay guy who just wants a man in his life. And damn, if that man is a hetero-acting macho cop who keeps dropping him like a bag of hot coals, so be it. Tom did come around a bit in this book. I'm surprised about his sexual 'negotiability', actually.
Still, I think Tom's POV should get more space and we need to learn more about the guy to understand him. That's what's keeping me hooked to the series and why I just have to read on.

4 stars for this awesome story!

[LenaRibka · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second book in the Deadly Mystery series, and I'm already addicted. Yes, maybe the story was not perfect, but I don't want to look for a fly in the ointment. I had AGAIN so much fun with Tom and Stanley, I have so much fun with the series! It's well written, funny and adventurous. I just can't get enough.

Don't think too much, just grab it, you won't regret it!

Highly recommended!

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and I have to say it worked really well jumping right into this one not having read the first book. We got enough backstory that it never felt like I missed anything vital. I’d say this book, and probably series, falls under the gay mystery rather than the mm category. It lacks this rosy shimmer se typically see in the mm romance genre. It had a grittier feel to it.

Stanley is a homicide cop, and he’s out and proud. Something that makes life in the department a hassle, to the point where he’s considering quitting. But before he could, he was invited to Bear Mountain to investigate a murder as a favour to his childhood friend. A friend whose brother was accused of murdering the victim.

Tom and Stanley’s relationship really rubbed me the wrong way. It was just so uneven and off. There was no genuine caring, just want and need – the selfish kind. Now I’m not a fan of sex scenes to begin with, but the (thankfully few) that was in this book made me downright uncomfortable. I mean to each their own, but for me both parties should at least enjoy the act, or something is wrong…

You know what the really strange thing is? I’m not sure I like even one of the characters in this book, main or otherwise. The one character that made me feel anything was the murder victim, but that one’s a bust for any future stories – for obvious reasons 😉 And yet this story was still strangely compelling, it drew me in and I do want to know more, so I will be listening to more books in the series.

Guy Veryzer has a very melodic voice and he was very pleasant to listen to. He lulls you into the book and makes you see the events before you. However a lot of the times he put emphasis on the wrong part of a sentence, ignored punctuation (if there were any, as I listened to the audio, it’s impossible to tell) so many lines, both dialogue and narration were just off and at times didn’t make sense. During those instances it felt like he was trying to read as many words as possible as fast as possible. Other times though, the narration was spot on which is why I still mostly enjoyed this book.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning, this reminds me of second book of Adrien English: Stanley escapes San Francisco, to sort his feeling out (for the very straight Tom) while helping a friend to find what truly happens of a boy who died. It is said to be "involuntary manslaughter" but Stanley discovers that it is actually murder, and he has walked into a dangerous territory here. I must say, the mystery is REALLY good. I was guessing other people as the murderer only to discover differently. At the same time, the relationship of Stanley and Tom also moves to a different stage. I don't doubt for a minute, that Tom is actually straight. But he also has developed a real, genuine feeling for Stanley, which makes him willing to give this male/male relationship a try. I also like the fact, that this complicated relationship does not easily solved by them having mind-blowing sex. They still work that out as well. I think the end is pretty romantic and I'd love to see what will happen with them in the next good. So far, pretty good series!

[Mickie Ashling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I've read by Victor J. Banis and I must say that I'm enjoying myself immensely. His sense of humor is wicked, and just up my alley. I love Tom and Stanley and can't wait to get my hands on the third book in this series. The only reason I gave Deadly Nightshades four stars instead of five was because of the ending. Deadly Wrong is a definite five. Thanks for the great read, Victor.

[Ije the Devourer of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this detective series. Thank goodness I stockpiled the entire series. I had a hunch that it would be good and it is.

Inspector Stanley Korski is back investigating the accidental death of a young man, or was it murder? Stanley Korski decides to combine sleuthing with his vacation. His former cop partner Tom Danzel decides to join him. He still hasn't sorted out his feelings for Stanley but when he learns that Stanley is off on a one man investigation trip, he joins him.

And not a moment too soon because Stanley is about to get into trouble at a biker bar.

Having rescued Stanley the two work together to bring the killer to justice. They also get to work together and sort out their feelings for each other. I really like the way the story combines humour, mystery, love and a witty dialogue.

[ElaineY · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; 4 SEPT 2013:
Narrator: Guy Veryzer - 1 STAR!

Okay, they changed the godawful narrator of the first book to Veryzer. That's the good news. The inevitable bad news is that Veryzer is only just slightly better. When I heard him announce the book title, author and start of chapter, I literally groaned out loud. The guy (pun was not intended) sounds like he's on his death bed!

There must be a good reason why Banis doesn't get a publisher (not MLR, please!) to produce his audiobooks because I can't believe an author would intentionally do such a horrible job. I'm miffed because I happen to have enjoyed the first book, I saw from my review of this book that I enjoyed this too and would have loved to listen to a professionally-produced audiobook.

After suffering through 3 chapters I decided I couldn't stand Veryzer's narration anymore. I'd already suffered through the entire book with Roy Wells and I think I deserve to let myself off.

Will I bother to at least read Book 4 and 5, which I bought? Maybe...when I get over the bad taste in my mouth over the truly horrible audiobooks.

I'm happy that Tom and Stanley's non-relationship has upped one level...even if Tom isn't ready to call Stanley his boyfriend (!) or lover, or even partner (in the relationship sense). I'm happy that Tom is able to see and accept that Stanley's "the boss" in their relationship. Quite funny, that bit.

Murder/mystery-wise, it was just so-so, mainly due to a set of unattractive, unappealing secondary characters. Stanley may have had a few thoughts about Carl back before Tom came harrying round the mountain after him but I didn't quite see the appeal. I'm still good for reading the next installment but decided to take a break first.

[Desinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good! Loved the humour:)

[Elisa Rolle]

If you liked Deadly Nightshade, the first book in the Deadly Mystery series, you will love Deadly Wrong. I liked the first book in the series, but it was in some way interrupted: the two main characters, Tom and Stanley, were presented to us, the reader had the chance to feel for them (I, for example, hearted for Tom), but in the end their story was not finished at the end of the book. And in fact, Deadly Wrong begins with Stanley who needs to take some decision in his life.

In the first book Stanley was obviously the main hero, but he didn't shine as he does in this second book. More than half the book is about him and his life change decision: should he remain in the Homicide and working with Tom everyday, when the man clearly stated that nothing could be happen again between them? Tom said his goodbye to the man in a very "personal" way, having his first and only anal sex experience with Stanley, baring himself to Stanley in the most intimate way, and then walking away barely saying goodbye. Stanley can't stay around and his first reaction was to quit his job. But then he receives a temporary leave and a call for help from a long time friend: Libby's brother was accused of manslaughter, but he claims to be innocent. Can Stanley come to Bear Mountain and help them to "straighten" the true? Not that Stanley is familiar with straightening things up, and even less with an homicide case, but it's a good way to leave San Francisco for a bit.

An apparently simple case has its root in the small town way of living, and with the murder of a young boy who has never had a chance in his life to be happy. It's strange, but even if Donnie is already dead when the reader meets him, he is one of the most interesting characters of this second book; I found myself wondering how his life could be if someone cared enough for him to give him a friendly hand. Donnie asked in every possible way help, but no one seemed to hear his call if not Carl, the one man that now is framed with his murder. I was already liking the book, even if I had the idea for it to be very sad, when the book took a suddenly, but well welcomed, turn with Tom's reappearing on the scene: even if Tom's mind said goodbye to Stanley, his body has other idea and it craves Stanley. And so Tom arrives to rescue Stanley and to stake his claim on the man. All right, Tom is straight, but he wants Stanley, and the things are obvious for him: there is no much to say, it's time to act.

Again I like Tom's character, he is "straight" (pun intended): he is probably not a man used to mourn a lot on his mind, he thinks and reacts, he is plain in his behaviour as in his feelings. Stanley on the other hand is a man in love, and he is willing to face and suffer everything to be with the man he loves; when Tom changes his mind, Stanley doesn't hesitate a minute to welcome him again in his life, and it's very sweet reading when he attempts to look into Tom's intentions without letting go that he is doing so.

Again Victor J. Banis wrote a real good book where plot and characters mend in a perfect way.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1934531863/?...

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the close of book one in the Deadly Mystery series Tom tells Stanley that there can never be anything more between them. Stanley isn't sure at this point if he even wants to continue as a police detective and decides to take some time off to think about his future. When he receives a call for help from an old friend whose brother has been accused of involuntary manslaughter Stanley decides to go to the small town to help out in whatever way he can. While investigating the case Stanley comes across several colorful characters, including bikers and rednecks, a 'crazy lady' with a surprising talent and the town sheriff who has the stereotypical small town narrow mindedness and 'I'm the big man' attitude.

In the meantime Tom has been doing a lot of thinking back in San Francisco. It's been a couple of months since he said goodbye to Stanley and he hasn't been able to get him off his mind. He convinces himself that if he just has sex with Stanley and tops him he will be able to get over his feelings for the man. He finds out where Stanley is and drives to the small town to find him. When he arrives he finds Stanley at the local bar and biker hangout and is just in time to prevent him from possibly getting beat up. Once safe in the cabin that Stanley has been staying in they quickly fall into bed. Later on Tom realizes that his idea of 'just once more with Stanley to get him off his mind' just isn't going to work. As they continue to work the case and follow up on leads Tom also has to figure just what, and who, he wants in his future.

Once again I was highly entertained from beginning to end by this well written mystery. Stanley and Tom are great characters. Stanley is witty and charming yet can be sharp-tongued and catty. For his part Tom is still the big macho man he's always been yet he was also able to realistically look at himself and his feelings for Stanley and make some rather difficult decisions about his life. The sex scenes are very hot but it's the underlying emotions between the two men that really draws the reader in to the story.

The mystery aspect of the book was once again very well executed. There are clues given as to the identity of the killer but it's not so blatantly easy to guess that it takes the fun out of the story. The climactic scene at the end was exciting and brought a lot of the elements in the book together seamlessly.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this well written, amusing and interesting story. The plot is dynamic and well paced, the characters believable and multi-faceted and the supporting characters were good additions to the story. The sex scenes are also well written, fit well within the scope of the story and are pretty hot. Unlike the first book of the series there is a really nice HFN ending to this story. In fact it's quite sweet and romantic.

[Neet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the Deadly series...Stanley Korski really wants to quit his job as an Inspector in the SPD yes he helped solve his first case., and got injured while on the case saving his partner's life, but he's in love with his partner,the very straight Tom Danzel.Also there's the problem that Tom doesn't want to be his partner, because he doesn't want to be thought of as gay and the fact that Stanley can't stop thinking of him because of the phenomenal sex they've had.Stanley's superior doesn't want him to quit though, not because he likes Stanley or his abilities, but because Stanley's the token gay guy in the macho world of homocide.He is asked to take several weeks of administrative leave and think about his decision. Stanley knows he doesn't need to reevaluate his decision.Stanley is at home when he receives a call from an old friend that needs him to clear her brother's name in a manslaughter charge, the friend will pay for his expenses.Stanley, who is desperate to get away from his troubles decides to go to Bear Mountain and help his friend out.As Tom would say, Stanley has a way of finding trouble, and it's no different in Bear Mountain..The question is, will Tom Damsel be able to rescue Stanley this time...I love Victor Banis, he writes these mysteries with both wit and edge of your seat thrills.This is the type of book that has heroes that has personal flaws that we can see in ourselves.Tom & Stanley are two characters that you are protective of and want them safe and also want them to realize that they're better together then apart...Read this series!

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a very dark story, but main characters and their snarky banter are love.
The audiobook narator remains not very good.

[Tj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanley is off on leave and heads to the mountains to help a childhood friend. Stanley is extremely smart and using his brain to an something the local police did not - an actual investigation. Stanley being Stanley however attracts the wrong attention when trying to question a suspect in a biker bar. He is surprised when he save by Tom. Tom who has driven through the night to come to his side.

Tom makes strides in this book. He is dealing with feelings for Stanley that he has never experienced before, love. He is also trying to work out the fact that he is bisexual. I liked Tom much better in this book. I look forward to reading more about him and Stanley and they become closer partners in the bedroom and while solving murders.

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Stanley/Tom series is a very nice read; fast-paced, exciting and the mystery well-crafted; Though I was a little disappointed it took about 70 pages into the story before Tom entered the picture - I still found Mr. Banis' wit and charm with the characters refreshing. An excellent follow-up to the Deadly series and recommended to anyone who loves a good mystery with on again/off again love affair thrown into the mix. Stanley and Tom will steel your hearts and you wish, you pray they will ultimately discover they can live together in bliss...

I really, really enjoyed this book!

[Deeze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book finished and I'm still no clearer on whether I even like this couple.

Mystery wise I have no complaints. But couple wise I'm still not sure. I want to like Tom but he acts like an ass most of the time, except when he actually turns up to save the day and I get a glimpse of his softer side, and Stanley isn't exactly loveable either. Yet I find myself wanting to see how their relationship plays out.

Guess I'll have to try one more lol.

[jules0623 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Slow start but it came together in the end. Tom is very slowly growing on me after a rough start. The sex scenes are pretty excruciating to read right now, tbh. For the love of God, Stanley, introduce Tom to the joys of lube and things might be a little less one-sided.

[Caipi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good mystery with a growing romance.
Stanley is charming but also sharp-tongued. He's "a magnet for trouble" and Tom is there to get him out of it.
I really liked the mix of mystery, love and witty dialogues. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Susinok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanley and Tom are definitely an odd couple. Great story, though.

[Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, better. At least this time there were no consent issues. I still can't get over sticking your tongue in someones butt who is drugged up, and says they are strait.
Tom is like a fungus, he's slowly growing on me, but it's a slow process.

Sex is still not great. Neither one likes to bottom, so they are trading off. One grins and bears it, while the other one gets to top...next time they'll switch. Ummmm. Ya, hearing the though process of "just relax the muscles" over and over again, as Stan tries to get through sex....not hot.

Sex, and Tom being an asshat aside, the story was good. I do really like the series.
Idk why, but it has an old fashion Private Dick feeling towards it...even though they are police, and it's not a historical.

Very enjoyable read.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first one.

Part of it was the case, which wasn't very interesting. But I also didn't like Tom very much here, and neither how Stanley reacted to him. One thing is a compromise, another, very different one, is resignation. And that was, exactly as it sounded to me for most of the story.

But my main problem here is the narration. It was awful. Everybody sounded whining. All the time. Everybody sounded like a petulant, bratty teen in serious need of a wake-up call, no matter what they were saying, no matter what emotion they were feeling, they always sounded the same :/

I still will give a chance to the third book... later.

[Doujia2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book was not as funny as the first one. We were in a strange and depressing setting, and Stanley and Tom were separate for the first half of the book.

The misogyny and toxic masculinity was even more suffocating in this episode... The gay for you trope was handled in a very misogynistic manner, which may be offensive to some female readers.

I do love Stanley, but I have to take a break from this series to breathe some fresh air. If the perpetrator in book three turns out to be another mad woman, I might claw my eyes out.

[Melia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still don't like Stanley or Tom, but the narration improved and the story is good. I just love a good mystery and honestly, there's some funny bits. And damn, thank you Victor Banis for finally writing believable female villains!
I like how Tom is a little more in touch with his emotions in this sequel and doesn't treat Stanley as horribly, though he's still a huge asshole.
Also, I'm seriously annoyed at how often these guys fuck without lube. It just doesn't work like that.

[MariF · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the Deadly Nightshade and started this book immediately after it. It was a good book but I wonder if author was influenced by Adrien English Mysteries. I can't help but make parallels between Adrien and Stanley and Jake and Tom. Even the setting of the second book is similar - Stanley goes on vacation to some small town where the trouble finds him and Tom comes to the rescue and good romp in the sheets and they have a small fallout about definition of being gay.

[s · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise, however after having just read Lola Dances, it also couldn't help but notice how Banis has used the used and abused character a lot, and found that a big weird. It is also ince again a female villain who is homophobic or something alike that which was very predictable. As for the two cops, i still find that their chemistry isnt great, robotic and well boring tbh

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* Really enjoying this series

[Lexi Ander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so this was not as funny as the first book in the series but still really good. The beginning is a little depressing considering how the first book ending. Stanley is trying to reconcile that he and Tom aren't going anywhere. He tries to leave the police force and is persuaded to take an administrative leave instead and then he gets a call for help from an old friend and figures 'what the hey' anything to get Tom off his mind.

So for the first half we get the barest glimpse of Tom, which was none too flattering for him and Stanley is searching for distraction. It is a little slow until Tom shows up in a kick the kid out, underwear tearing, bruising kiss entrance which made me sigh in relief. This is in some ways more serious, not too much with Stanley narrating. What is going on or not going on with Tom and Stanley is tightened up some without proclamations of devotion or love.

There is one thing though...the murder of Donnie really pissed me off. This Bear Mountain community had formed this regard or lack of regard for the youth, this blind eye, this aura of abuse that in its own way lead to the victimization of that boy. I kept thinking, he died at 18 but everything that happened to him had been going on for years. Even though this was a fun read at times, Donnie's life in Bear Mountain stuck with me adding a flare of sadness.

[cat reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

::Sigh::

Not as good as the first. The narrator is better, but not by much. The plot though. At the end I kept thinking:



There are some really good, original scenes, and some excellent descriptions, but on the whole the story relies on far too many cliches. No more, 'he's as queer as a three dollar bill.' Please, no more.

I'm not a fan of the funky psychic, in this case, Mary, who knows about the murder (but can't give away the murderer because the thin plot can't end yet) and that Tom is in love and on the way. It's definitely YMMV. Some find it cute. I find it ridiculous.

The last novel ended on a downer for the relationship between Tom and Stanley, which I enjoyed as it's a complicated situation that takes time and soul searching. A little more emotional give in this novel was sweet. I'm looking forward to how these two develop.

I don't know what's up with the femme fatales in these two books so far. I'm hoping it's not a pattern that every female who isn't a lesbian is a raging bitch, a kook, a nuisance, a cock repository, or a psycho killer. Can we please get a decent person who also happens to have a vagina (and who happens to like men)?

[Lillian Francis]

So, Tom doesn't turn up until somewhere between 30 and 40% (I think it was closer to 40) in this book.

In this book Tom is much less of an arsehole. His periods of sweetness are longer and questioning himself happens less and less. This book ends on a much more positive note for the couple than the first. Although I have no idea how they're going to cope with their sex life such as it is on a regular basis and as a reader I'd like some affection in their lovemaking. ATM it's all painfully (literally) awkward.

The mystery was good, although I had pegged the murderer quite early on (or maybe it was wishful thinking through simple dislike and the author had the same feeling).

The POV changes are still driving me mad but overall an enjoyable read.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The murder investigation part of the book was enormously more interesting than in the first book. It was more complex, less obvious and more fulfilling. The romance part was, mostly, just nerve-wrecking and not much in itself. There was some advances but nothing too worthy to mention or be happy about. Mostly I'm just kind of disappointed. I think I'm not exactly used to reading about men not really gay. Or gay men not really sure if they're bottoms or tops. Or if they even like having sex with other men. I am mostly confused to be honest. It also seems pretty weird I guess. They seem to love each other but sex between them is more like a chore then real pleasure.

[Pia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the character development in this book, but the storyline was too slow to evolve for me. Without spoiling the ending, I didn't like how the murder was resolved - as in, there were hints that this person was the culprit, but not solid clues to let me piece it together as the story unfolded.

Overall, I enjoyed the character interactions and personal growth, especially when Stanley put his foot down during a fight with Tom. This more than made up for the slow-moving plot. I will be continuing the series with book #3 in the near future.